The Ukrainian government, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, passed a law on August 20 banning churches affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, including the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). Although the UOC has denied ties with Moscow since the war began, it faces accusations of supporting Russian propaganda and being a haven for spies. A majority of Ukrainians support government intervention in the UOC, with some even favoring a complete ban.
Pope Francis Criticizes Ukraine’s Church Ban
Pope Francis expressed deep concern over Ukraine’s decision to ban the UOC, which has historical ties to Russia. Speaking after his weekly Angelus prayer on August 25, the Pope emphasized that Christians should be free to pray and churches should not be abolished. He urged Ukrainian leaders to allow worshippers to practice their faith in their chosen churches, cautioning against the abolition of any Christian church.
Religious and Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
The Ukrainian law, passed by an overwhelming parliamentary vote, has led to increased religious and political tensions. The Vatican has repeatedly tried to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine, with limited success. Pope Francis and other Vatican officials have been involved in diplomatic missions, but these efforts have not prevented the enactment of the church ban. The Pope’s impartial stance in the conflict has faced criticism from Ukrainian leaders and citizens.
On Ukraine’s Independence Day, as the ban was signed into law, the UOC’s spokesman warned that the policy could discredit those enforcing it, comparing it to past Soviet actions. Despite the challenges, Pope Francis continues to call for peace and an end to conflicts worldwide.
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Pope Francis condemns Ukraine’s ban on Russian Orthodox Church
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