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
Previously unknown sermons of St. Augustine discovered in ancient manuscript
Scholars have confirmed the authenticity of two previously unknown homilies by the great Church Father.
More than 800 anti-Christian incidents reported in France in 2025
France’s Interior Ministry has published a report on a sharp rise in violence against believers.
OCU cleric: Moscow strikes Lavra because OCU is there now
A "priest" of Dumenko's structure believes it is normal to ask God for vengeance against a believer.
Head of “Belarusian Autocephalous Church” prays with OCU in Pyriatyn
The leader of the BAOC, unrecognized in the Orthodox world, Sviatoslav Lohin, held a “joint prayer service” with military chaplains in Poltava Region.
Chief Rabbi discusses religious freedom in Ukraine with State Dept official
The participants discussed attacks on religious buildings and cases of pressure on believers.
Monastic tonsure performed in Khust Eparchy
At the diocesan metochion in the village of Synevyrska Poliana, Bishop Mark of Rakhiv performed the rite of rassophore tonsure.