Pope wishes blessing, peace and joy to Putin

Pope Francis and Vladimir Putin. Photo: novayagazeta.ru

Pope Francis and Vladimir Putin. Photo: novayagazeta.ru

Pope Francis wished God’s blessing, peace and joy to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, TASS news agency reported.

In particular, according to the Vatican press service, a welcome telegram to Russian President Vladimir Putin was sent by the pope when the pontiff’s plane was in the sky over Russia on the way from Japan where Pope Francis was returning from on Tuesday.

In his telegram, the Head of State of the Vatican wrote, “To His Excellency President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. I cordially welcome your Excellency, flying in the sky over Russia on the way to Rome from Thailand and Japan. I assure you that I am praying for you and all the people of the Russian Federation and wish you God's blessing, peace and joy.”

The pope’s trip to Thailand and Japan continued from November 19 to 26.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Pope Francis awards a medal to Vladimir Putin and discussed the situation in Ukraine.

Reports to SBU of weapons in UOC churches were always false, Novynskyi says

The protodeacon said that under Maliuk, inspections began to be accompanied by public accusations against the Church without evidence.

Culture Ministry pledges to speed up seizure of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra from UOC

Culture Minister Tetiana Berezhna has pledged to personally attend a court hearing in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra case.

Kamianske Eparchy honors Dnipro Icon of the Mother of God for first time

A festive service was held at a cathedral in Kamianske, where the Dnipro Icon of the Mother of God was brought out for veneration by the faithful for the first time.

Kyiv conscription officers abduct UOC priest

TRC officers reportedly abducted Maksym Kostiuchenko, a cleric of a UOC church in the Ukrainian capital.

Court grants DESS lawsuit to dissolve UOC’s Rovenky Eparchy

The appeals court partially granted the DESS lawsuit seeking to dissolve the Rovenky Eparchy but rejected the request to seize its property, citing a gap in Ukrainian legislation.

Met. Meletiy consecrates house of worship for UOC community in Dankivtsi

Members of the persecuted UOC Intercession parish in Dankivtsi have converted a house into a place for communal prayer and worship services.