Miory Regional Executive Committee

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko met with Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for Eastern Churches in the Vatican, reports a BELTA correspondent.

"I am fully acquainted with the details of your visit. I am very glad that you remembered Belarus, that you liked it, and that our people made a favorable impression on you. Everyone. Not only Catholics and Orthodox Christians, but also others. Even Muslims received your visit very positively. This indicates that your footprint in Belarus, excuse the tautology, is not without trace," said the head of state. "Therefore, I am sincerely glad to meet with you. I remember all our meetings, conversations, negotiations, and the commitments we are fulfilling, have fulfilled, or perhaps have not fulfilled – today we will have a frank, friendly discussion about this with you. I am very glad to meet and discuss all issues that may have accumulated in our relations."

Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti is visiting Belarus in his capacity as a special envoy of Pope Leo XIV to take part in events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Diocese of Pinsk. It was established on October 25, 1925, and currently constitutes one of four Catholic dioceses in Belarus, encompassing the territories of the Brest and Gomel regions. Between 2011 and 2015, the Vatican representative held the post of Apostolic Nuncio to Belarus.

Alexander Lukashenko congratulated Claudio Gugerotti on his highly successful ministry: "I have been observing closely. I am very glad for you. And I always believe that there is a small part of the Belarusian soul in your success. That is why we welcome you here. You are welcome to visit at any time. I do not know what visa he requires. He is practically a Belarusian among us."

For his part, Claudio Gugerotti confirmed that a visa is indeed required and that the processing period lasts approximately 15 days.

"No, we will arrange everything so that you can visit Belarus at any time, without having to wait those 15 days. You are not a stranger to us," the Belarusian leader assured him.

Claudio Gugerotti noted that he was deeply pleased that the Pope selected him specifically for the trip to Belarus to attend the celebratory events. "Perhaps because he knows that I like Belarus," he said.

"The celebrations in Pinsk, Brest, and Gomel were remarkable. The meetings with the people were excellent. One could see that they were smiling. I sense that there is hope. There are young people. There are boys and children. This indicates that they understand the future will be bright if we all work together," Claudio Gugerotti stressed.

Speaking of existing challenges in Europe and around the world, the Vatican representative pointed out that certain differences should not hinder dialogue. "Dialogue is essential. Looking each other in the eye, understanding that we have the same thing—a soul. Then everything becomes possible when you feel that you respect and love a person. The future lies in our hands and in God’s hands," he stated.

"I fully agree," Alexander Lukashenko said.

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