Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 28 September (BelTA) – Belarus’ role in building a peaceful European future is very big, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, Archbishop of Genoa, President of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE), noted as he met with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on 28 September, BelTA has learned.

Angelo Bagnasco thanked Belarus for the opportunity to meet in Minsk on behalf of the participants of the plenary assembly of the CCEE. “We have appreciated the kindliness and hospitality of the Belarusian people. We feel like at home here. These days our work will be aimed at evaluating the situation in Europe, primarily concerning the youth. The European episcopates should pay great attention to the youth,” Angelo Bagnasco remarked.

“We are taking a great part in forming the future of our nations by holding this event. We should answer the questions that every young person bears in his or her heart,” he said. The cardinal also added that the church shows keen interest in Europe’s further development and peaceful future.

He drew attention to the importance of the history of Minsk which turned 950 this year, and also the 500th anniversary of Francysk Skaryna’s Psalter.

The cardinal noted that the state and church have cooperated at all times, which influenced the development of the society throughout the world. The CCEE president thanked Alexander Lukashenko for active cooperation between the state and church in Belarus. Angelo Bagnasco believes that such close cooperation in Belarus and other European countries will contribute to peaceful development, in general.

“As for stay permits for priests travelling to a country for religious reasons, such permission can be granted at the current session of the council,” he pointed out.

Angelo Bagnasco emphasized that the church will keep supporting peaceful development in every state.