Vatican сalls Podoliak's words about investments from Russia "speculation"

The Vatican. Photo: Vatican Media

The Vatican's Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR) has categorically rejected the claims made by the Advisor to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Mykhailo Podoliak, regarding Russian investments in the Holy See's bank, calling them "speculation", as reported by Vatican News.

"In addition to being untrue, such activities would be impossible due to the strict policies of the Institute and international sanctions, which also apply to the financial sector," the statement said. "Firstly, the Institute for the Works of Religion does not accept as clients institutions or individuals who do not have a close connection with the Holy See and the Catholic Church. Secondly, the Institute is a financial intermediary subject to supervision, and it operates through reputable, top-tier foreign banks that comply with sanctions," the statement says.

As earlier reported, Podoliak excluded Vatican involvement in mediating with Russia due to the Pope's "pro-Russian stance".

Read also

Lavra Reserve and OCU sign memorandum on preservation of caves and relics

The memorandum was signed by Reserve Director Kotliarevska and “Bishop” A. Lotysh.

Estonia’s Supreme Court to review president’s complaint over law on churches

The Constitutional Court of Estonia will consider President Karis’s petition regarding the compliance of the law on churches with the national Constitution.

Azov holds “sacral mystery” for the Day of the Dead

A pagan rite dedicated to the Day of the Dead was carried out by the Azov Brigade.

Patriarch Theophilos invites Palestine president to Christmas in Bethlehem

The Jerusalem Patriarchate has invited representatives of the Palestinian authorities to the Christmas service at the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

Shevchuk predicts “hard decades” for Ukraine due to demographic catastrophe

The birth rate has fallen to 0.6 children per family. The head of the UGCC called for helping the Ukrainian family, but without coercion “as in totalitarian regimes.”

UGCC head: Today Christ becomes a Ukrainian warrior

Shevchuk, in his reflections on the Nativity of Christ, pointed out that the Savior has become a Ukrainian warrior today.