Foreign Ministry summons Vatican Nuncio over Pope's words on Dugina
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has summoned the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Visvaldas Kulbokas, to express disappointment with the words of Pope Francis about the death of Russian journalist Darya Dugina, reports the Foreign Ministry's press service on its official website.
"Visvaldas Kulbokas was told that Ukraine is deeply disappointed by the Pontiff's words, which unfairly equate the aggressor and the victim. At the same time, Pope Francis' decision to mention in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war the death of a Russian citizen on the Russian territory, which Ukraine has nothing to do with," the statement said.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stressed during a briefing with his Italian counterpart in Kyiv that the very invitation of the Nuncio to the ministry is a case quite unprecedented and speaks for itself, reports ukrinform.
"I will say bluntly that the Ukrainian heart breaks at the Pope's words. It was unfair," Kuleba added.
The Ukrainian foreign ministry expressed hope that in the future the Vatican will avoid unfair statements "causing disappointment in Ukrainian society".
Earlier, the Pope called Darya Dugina an innocent victim of war.
Later, Ukraine's Ambassador to the Vatican, Andriy Yurash, criticized the pontiff for his words about the dead Russian journalist.
Read also
In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom
Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."
Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot
The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.
Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution
International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.
Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children
“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.
His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv
At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.
Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects
According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.