A. Lukashenko: Belarus has always counted on the active support and assistance of the Catholic Church

April 10, Minsk /BELTA/. Belarus has always counted on the active support and assistance of the Catholic Church. This was stated on April 10 by the head of state Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting with the Apostolic Nuncio in Belarus Claudio Gugerotti, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader. "Knowing that you are going to the Holy See, I want to convey through you the warmest and kindest words, congratulations (on the Holy Easter holiday) to Pope Benedict XVI. I recall our meeting with special warmth," Alexander Lukashenko noted. "What I am saying is very relevant, especially now, because I follow the media both within Belarus and outside our country. Some people want to drive a wedge into our relations with the Pope. I must say that they will not succeed. We have embarked on a course of cooperation with the Catholic Church. We have done a lot together with you in the relationship between the state and the Catholic Church." "And all the plans that we outlined while talking with the Pope, we have practically implemented. One step remains. An agreement is being prepared. And we are determined to implement it," the President said. "I want to emphasize again that we have always counted on the active support and assistance of the Catholic Church. And I see how some media, especially in Poland and other countries, reacted to my request yesterday that the Catholic Church should more actively defend the interests of hundreds of thousands of Catholics who live here. Some perceived this as some kind of reproach from the President to the Pope. Believe me, I did not want to reproach anyone, nor did I want to demand or ask for anything," the head of state said. "I know that the Pope, being well versed in politics, knows what is happening in Belarus and perfectly understands that the thousands of Catholics who live here need his daily support and protection. I want you and the Pope to know that the President of Belarus and all Belarusian authorities will follow the same course we agreed upon." "The road to the temple is open to any person. Today we have provided an opportunity for Orthodox, Catholics, and other denominations to build as many churches as needed by the people living in Belarus. We will resolve all issues in this direction. This is the essence of our policy. And there are absolutely no demands here. But if the Catholic Church defends the interests of justice, we will always find common ground with Catholics and the Catholic Church. This is our main postulate. Everything must be just," the President emphasized. "I think the day is not far off when the Pope himself will be able to meet with his followers in Belarus. We will be happy to see him. We must work in this direction with our Patriarch as well. We are carrying out this work. I think we can build good schemes here and hold good events that will serve to strengthen not only Catholicism but also the entire flock, both Orthodox, Catholic, and others in Belarus," the head of state said. In turn, Claudio Gugerotti assured the President that "the Pope has deep love and commitment to Belarus." "I am very glad that you are aware of the daily work we are doing to promote peace, justice, and contacts," he noted.