Senior Vatican diplomat holds talks in Belarus
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 13 March 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Senior Vatican diplomat holds talks in Belarus, 13 March 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/552f9d6129.html [accessed 5 November 2021] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 13, 2015
By RFE/RL's Belarus Service
MINSK – The secretary of state of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has met with Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka to discuss bilateral ties.
The Belarusian Foreign Ministry said the talks were held on March 13, a day after Parolin's arrival in Minsk.
Lukashenka stressed during the talks that his country enjoys inter-religious concord and Belarusian Catholics are given all opportunities to practice their faith.
Parolin said the goal of his visit was to develop contacts with Belarusian authorities.
According to Belapan news agency, he said he was "happy to hear your high assessment of the role the Catholic community plays in your country."
Earlier on March 13, Parolin held talks with Belarusian Foreign Minister, Uladzimer Makey and discussed the Roman Catholic Church's situation in Belarus, a mostly Orthodox Christian former Soviet republic in which more than 7 percent of the population of 9.5 million is Catholic.
Parolin is expected to remain in Belarus until March 15.
With reporting by BelaPAN
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
