The Vatican's Ambassador to Belarus, Archbishop Claudio Gutterotti, arrived for the anniversary of the Novopolotsk Catholic parish of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Novopolotsk was visited by the Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador to Belarus) Archbishop Claudio Guderotti. He personally paid his respects to the Chairperson of the City Executive Committee, Natalya Kochanova.
The visit of Archbishop Guderotti was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the city's Catholic parish of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The first Roman Catholic community in Novopolotsk was formed in 1992. At that time, a group of Catholics appealed to the local authorities with a request to register the parish. For six years, the parish "traveled" to different addresses. In December, 10 years ago, the church was built and opened its doors to parishioners.
— I am sure that people pray in this shrine with joy in their souls and hearts, because the church is beautiful, — emphasized the Vatican Ambassador to Belarus.
Catholicism is the second largest religious denomination in the country. According to the Catholic Church, there are one and a half million Catholic believers in Belarus, which is 15 percent of the republic's population.