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

OSCE expert: Pressure on Romanian parishes may strengthen UOC in EU courts

The oppression of Romanian-speaking Orthodox communities reveals the true motives of the Ukrainian authorities regarding religious freedoms.

“OCU Lavra abbot” claims UOC monks “betrayed” relics of Venerable Fathers

Avrahamiy Lotysh accused the monks of the monastery – who have been denied access to the Kyiv Caves Lavra catacombs for several months – of having “forgotten their duties.”