May 22, Pozirk. Belarusian Roman Catholic Archbishop Juzaf Stanieŭski has handed Pope Leo XIV an official invitation to visit Belarus, Catholic.by reported.
Stanieŭski and Bishop Alaksandar Jašeŭski had the opportunity to personally inform the pontiff about the state of the church in their country after a general audience on May 21.
Stanieŭski said that “the Belarusian people are building their future on a strong foundation of Christian and family values and, as they commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, on calm, harmony and peace.”
He called Leo “the Peter of our time,” noting that his arrival in Belarus would foster universal dialogue.
According to the archbishop, the pope conveyed a blessing for all people of goodwill living in Belarus.
On May 8, Alaksandar Łukašenka congratulated Leo XIV on his election as pope and invited him to Belarus.
However, it would be challenging for the pontiff to accept the invitation, since Patriarch Kirill of Moscow is unlikely to welcome the visit – Belarus is a country dominated by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Two weeks ago, Augustinian Cardinal Robert Prevost made history by becoming the first pope from the United States. His election followed Pope Francis’ death on April 21.
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