PINSK, 25 October (BelTA) - Everything possible will be done to facilitate a visit by the Pope to Belarus, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches in the Vatican and special envoy of Pope Leo XIV for the 100th anniversary of the Pinsk diocese, told the media on 25 October, BelTA has learned.
Claudio Gugerotti expressed his deep affection for Belarus. “My impressions are always very good when I come to this land. I see a very beautiful country, nature that inspires wonder, wonderful cleanliness and order. The people are very kind, hospitable, good-natured, and hard-working,” he said.
The Pope has previously been extended an invitation to visit Belarus in 2026. “The Pope has a great love for Belarus. The Holy See's Secretariat of State also holds great respect for this country. This is connected to its geographical, geopolitical position, as well as its rich history, its religious history, which spans many centuries, dating back to the times of Francysk Skaryna, who studied at the same university where I taught. We are proud of him in Padua. You see, all the possibilities for this [a visit to Belarus] exist. Although the Pope has many tasks and responsibilities, we will do everything we possibly can for it,” Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti said.
Festive events to celebrate the centenary of the Pinsk Catholic diocese took place at the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Pinsk on 25 October. The anniversary celebrations will continue in Brest on 26 October.
The Pinsk diocese was founded on 25 October 1925. It is now one of the four Catholic dioceses in Belarus and covers the territory of Brest Oblast and Gomel Oblast.
Claudio Gugerotti served as Apostolic Nuncio to Belarus from 2011 to 2015.
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