Lukashenko pardons two Catholic priests at the request of Pope Leo
RCC clergy Andrzej Jukhnevich and Henrikh Okolotovich. Photo: minsknews.by
On November 22, 2025, the spokesperson of the President of Belarus, Natalia Eismont, confirmed media reports that Alexander Lukashenko, at the personal request of Pope Leo XIV, pardoned two Catholic priests convicted of serious crimes against the state, BELTA’s correspondent reported.
The priests in question are Andrzej Jukhnevich and Henrikh Okolotovich. According to the Belarusian president’s administration, the decision was also made with the participation of Metropolitan Iosif Staneuski of Minsk–Mogilev.
The pardon was described as a “gesture of goodwill,” undertaken out of considerations of mercy and humanitarian principles, as well as in the interest of fostering relations between Belarus and the Vatican.
Eismont also reported that Minsk made another humanitarian decision “in furtherance of agreements” between the presidents of the United States and Belarus and at the request of the Ukrainian side. Lukashenko pardoned 31 Ukrainian citizens previously convicted in Belarus. The Belarusian government stated that this step was intended to help create conditions for a peaceful resolution of the armed conflict in the neighboring country. The transfer of the pardoned individuals took place on the afternoon of November 22.
As the UOJ reported, the Vatican commented on the peace plan for Ukraine, noting that both sides would have to compromise.
Read also
St. Nicholas Church parish of Dnipro delivers aid to Kherson region residents
Believers of the Dnipropetrovsk Eparchy carried out a humanitarian mission to the Kherson region.
Celebrations honoring miraculous icon of Theotokos begin at Pochaiv Lavra
The festive All-Night Vigil at the Pochaiv Lavra began with an akathist before the miraculous Pochaiv Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Metropolitan Nathanael consecrates iconostasis in Nosachevychi
The ruling bishop of the Volyn Eparchy led the Divine Liturgy at the St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene Church, where he consecrated the iconostasis.
In England, all police officers were urged to observe the Ramadan fast in solidarity
British police officers of all faiths were invited to fast alongside Muslims in order to better understand the significance of the important Islamic month.
Canada's army bans prayers and mentions of God
A new directive recommends that Canadian military personnel use neutral «spiritual reflections» instead of religious addresses, in order to accommodate the beliefs of atheists.
Faithful at Lavra urged to remain loyal to Christ despite trials
During a prayer vigil, a priest recalled the Gospel examples of the Apostle Peter and St. Mary Magdalene, Equal-to-the-Apostles, speaking about the power of faith.