Zelensky reacts to Pope's words defending the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Pope Francis and Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: Vatican Media

On August 27, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the statements made by Pope Francis, who expressed concern over the Ukrainian law 8371, which could potentially ban the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

Zelensky emphasized the importance of the information space and its impact on religious institutions, including the Vatican. "The Vatican is not an exception. The statements of Pope Francis have varied. It is very important not to lose touch with either the Vatican or Italy," he noted at a press conference following the "Ukraine 2024. Independence" forum.

Discussing the necessity of fighting for a truthful information space, Zelensky added: "As soon as you pause in your informational efforts, everything gets filled with information from Russia. They work like clockwork in this regard… The Church operates strongly for them abroad."

As reported by the UOJ, on August 25, Pope Francis expressed concern that believers in Ukraine are allegedly not being given the opportunity to pray "in the church they consider their own".

Read also

Trump to Meet Putin in Alaska for Talks on Ending Ukraine War

Summit set for Aug. 15 could mark first direct U.S.-Russia meeting since 2021, but peace prospects remain uncertain

Court Revives Indiana Teacher’s Religious Rights Lawsuit Over Transgender Name Policy

Appeals court says school failed to show last-name-only approach caused disruption.

Syria: Bomb Attack on Church in Tartus Foiled

Two individuals have been arrested who, according to authorities, were on their way to carry out a terrorist attack.

Trump Brokers Peace Between Armenia and Azerbaijan

The agreement bring an end to a conflict that has been raging for over three decades. The heads of both countries jointly proposed nominating Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Estonian Parliament Refuses to Review Law Targeting the Orthodox Church

The Estonian Parliament (or Riigikogu) declined to revisit the recent law targeting the canonical Church, despite protests by Estonia's president.

Met. Tikhon to Concelebrate with Primate of Macedonian Orthodox Church

The service will mark the OCA’s formal recognition of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, the world’s newest autocephalous Orthodox Church.