Lukashenka does not leave Catholics in peace

• 10.04.2012, 16:45

The dictator has stated that attempts to force a wedge between Belarus and the Holy See will not be successful.

“I scan mass media both inside Belarus and outside our country. Some people want to drive a wedge into our relations with the Pope as well. I must say that it would not be a success. We have chosen the policy of cooperation with the Catholic Church. We have done a lot together in the relations of the state and the Catholic Church,” Alyaksandr Lukashenka noted during the meeting with Apostolic Nuncio of Belarus Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti on April 10. “And all the plans which had been outlined by us, when we had a conversation with the Pope, have been realized in fact. One step is left. A preparation of an agreement is underway. And we are determined to implement it.”

“I want to underline once again that we have always relied on active support and assistance of the Catholic Church. And I see in which way some mass media, especially in Poland and in other states, have responded to my yesterday’s request for the Catholic Church to defend interests of hundred thousands of Catholics living here, more actively. Some have even perceived that as a reproach of the president to the Pope. Believe me, I did not want to reproach anyone, and I even did not want to demand or ask something,” the dictator said. “I know that the Pope orientates in the politics well, and he knows what is going on on the territory of Belarus, and he understands perfectly well that thousands of Catholics living on here need his daily support and defense. I want you and the Pope to know that the Belarusian president and the authorities of Belarus in general will follow the same course upon which we have agreed.”