Serbian Cardinal: Pope not to go where the Church and people resist it

Serbian prelate Ladislav Nemet. Photo: Belgrade Archdiocese

On June 7, 2025, Serbian Cardinal Ladislav Nemet stated that the country's Prime Minister invited Pope Leo XVI to Serbia, but the head of the Catholic Church will never go where there is resistance from the local Church and society. This was reported by KoSSev.

Cardinal Nemet noted that the Prime Minister invited the Pope to Serbia but admitted that the Prime Minister's words "fell flat". According to him, the visit is possible only with the resolution of security and trip content issues.

The Cardinal emphasized that the pontiff will not visit the country where he is not welcome: "The Pope will never go where there is resistance from the Church and society."

Speaking about the rarity of papal visits to Orthodox countries, Nemet highlighted Serbia's position: "I am a little ashamed to admit that Serbia, in addition to Russia and Belarus, has not been visited by any pope in at least two thousand years," he said.

The Cardinal noted that an important event for Serbia was the statement made by the Vatican's Secretary of State last year during his visit to Belgrade. At that time, he informed Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić that Kosovo wants to open an official representation in the Vatican. This means that Pristina seeks to establish direct relations with the Vatican, even though the RCC does not officially recognize Kosovo's independence.

The previous Catholic leader, Pope Francis, was invited to Serbia, but the visit never took place: without the consent of the Serbian Orthodox Church, it is impossible. The Church is wary of the Vatican, especially in light of Kosovo's efforts to establish relations with the RCC.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote about why the Serbian Patriarch granted autocephaly to the Macedonian Church.

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