Image credit: The House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus
MINSK, 18 May (BelTA) – Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Igor Sergeyenko met with Pope Leo XIV as part of the solemn ceremony of the enthronement of the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, the press service of the lower chamber of the Belarusian parliament told BelTA.
Igor Sergeyenko passed congratulations from Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko to Pope Leo XIV as well as a gift from the Belarusian head of state – an icon of the Mother of God of Zhirovichi.
The gifted icon was made by artisans of the Minsk-based Saint Elisabeth Convent using such techniques as hand tooling, silver plating, and gold plating. The original of one of Belarus’ key relics is stored in the Holy Dormition Stavropegic Monastery in the agrotown of Zhirovichi. Belarus will celebrate the 555th anniversary since the acquisition of this wonder-working icon on 20 May 2025.
Upon instructions from Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko the speaker of the lower chamber of the Belarusian parliament congratulated Pope Leo XIV on the start of his pontificate. He expressed confidence that Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral service would benefit the humanity on earth.
Igor Sergeyenko stressed that in today’s complicated and unpredictable times nations hope even more for peace and social justice. He noted that Christian values, spirituality, and pacifism are the things that unite Belarus and the Holy See at present. This is why the parties have something they could work together on.
Addressing the Pope, the chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus remarked that Pope Leo XIV would be very much welcome to visit the hospitable Belarusian land.
Igor Sergeyenko wished success in his various activities and good health to Pope Leo XIV.
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