Metropolitan Pavel does not rule out Pope's visit to Belarus

Pope Francis

MINSK, 10 March (BelTA) – It is entirely possible that Pope Francis will pay a visit to Belarus, Metropolitan Pavel of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus said in an interview to Belarus 24 TV channel, BelTA informs.

“If this matter is agreed [with Patriarch Kirill – BelTA], then it cannot be ruled out. Not long ago they said that there would never be a meeting between the Pope and the Patriarch. And it took place,” said the Metropolitan. The Patriarchal Exarch explained that the agreement with the head of the Russian Orthodox Church is needed since the Belarusian Orthodox Church makes part of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Metropolitan Pavel added that if Belarus hosts a meeting between the Pope and the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, it should serve the unity, not the division of people.

In turn, Metropolitan of Minsk and Mogilev of the Roman Catholic Church in Belarus, Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz noted that the Pope's visit necessitates an official invitation from the state and the agreement from the Orthodox Church. “I pray and hope that the Pope will come to Belarus one day,” said Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz. He believes Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill may meet again in the future.

Metropolitan Pavel and Metropolitan Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz met in a television studio for a joint interview.

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