Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko sends Christmas greetings to Pope Francis

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MINSK, 24 December (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has sent a congratulatory message to Pope Francis to wish him happy holidays, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian head of state.

“The relations between Belarus and the Vatican have always been of special importance for us. We do a lot together to protect the most important universal values. We have achieved tangible results in fighting human trafficking and supporting the traditional family,” the message reads.

The head of state stressed that activities of the Holy See resonate with many Belarusians as Catholicism is the second largest denomination in Belarus. The Belarusian government has taken consistent steps to create favorable conditions for the activities of the Roman Catholic Church and to encourage efforts of the Vatican representatives aimed at promoting peace and harmony.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also noted that he hopes that Pope Francis will say a prayer for Belarus and that he is looking forward to meeting with him. The president also thanked the Pope for his contribution to the open and friendly relations between Belarus and the Vatican.

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