Minsk praises its relations with Vatican after 30 years of diplomatic relations

November 12, BPN. Belarusian Foreign Minister Uładzimir Makiej described relations between Belarus and the Vatican as a “truly strong cooperation based on deep respect,” the foreign ministry’s press office reported.

In his letter to Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Vatican’s secretary for relations with states, Makiej pointed out joint efforts to strengthen regional stability, combat human trafficking, and protect traditional family values.

After the 2020 presidential election, Belarusian authorities persecuted Roman Catholic priests and believers for their criticism of police violence against protesters. Recently, Minsk authorities evicted the Catholic parish of St. Simeon and St. Helena from the Red Church in central Minsk.