{"id":129846,"date":"2025-03-13T12:18:50","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T09:18:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/129846\/"},"modified":"2026-03-10T12:05:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T12:05:06","slug":"lukasenka-hopes-to-boost-ties-with-the-vatican","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/129846\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0141uka\u0161enka hoping embassy will help him strengthen ties with the Vatican"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n (Benjamin Fay \/ unsplash.com)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

March 13, <\/strong>Pozirk.<\/strong> <\/em>The opening of the Belarusian embassy to the Holy See this year should help bilateral relations reach \u201ca qualitatively new level,\u201d says Alaksandar \u0141uka\u0161enka’s message to Pope Francis on the 12th anniversary of his pontificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Belarusian ruler wished Pope Francis \u201chealth, longevity and God’s grace for the benefit of his high mission,” his press office quoted the message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Vatican cancelled all official celebrations this year as the Pope continues treatment for bronchitis at one of Rome\u2019s hospitals where he was admitted in mid-February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belarusian authorities have repeatedly pointed out similarities in the positions of Minsk and the Vatican. Some experts say that \u0141uka\u0161enka wants to use the Holy See as a platform to engage with the West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The opening of the embassy is reportedly a part of a diplomatic rapprochement effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The relationship between the government and the Roman Catholic Church deteriorated after the disputed 2020 presidential election because many clerics and faithful condemned violence and reprisals against peaceful protesters. Priests have been arrested, tried and jailed, while some have fled Belarus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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