Pope Francis expressed deep concern over the Ukrainian parliament’s decision to ban the Orthodox Church linked to the Moscow Patriarchate. In his customary Sunday address, the Pope urged that “no Christian Church should be abolished, directly or indirectly.”
“I continue to watch with sorrow the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russia. Reflecting on the recently passed bill in Ukraine, I worry about the freedom of those who pray, for true prayer is always for everyone,” Pope Francis stated.
He emphasized, “A person does not cause harm by praying. If someone commits wrongdoing against their people, they are guilty of that wrongdoing, but it is not because they prayed.”
“Therefore, let those who wish to pray do so in the Church they consider their own. I plead with you: do not abolish any Christian Church, whether directly or indirectly. No one should lay a hand on the churches!” the Pope stressed.
The controversial bill, known as Law 8371, was passed in Kyiv on August 20 by a large majority. It mandates that the parishes in question sever all ties with the Russian Orthodox Church within nine months.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
