The Vatican highly values the peaceful coexistence of different denominations in Belarus - K.Guzarotti

April 4, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. The Vatican highly appreciates the peaceful coexistence of different denominations in Belarus. This was stated today by the Apostolic Nuncio in Belarus, Archbishop Claudio Gucherotti, at a press conference at the Cathedral of Jesus the Merciful in Vitebsk, in response to a question from a BELTA correspondent. According to Claudio Gucherotti, the ability of Belarusians to peacefully accept people of different denominations and live without religious conflicts deserves respect and recognition. "My experience shows that this is not common. I am very glad when I see good relations between Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and representatives of other denominations in your country," the Apostolic Nuncio emphasized. As a specific example of interfaith harmony prevailing in Belarus, he cited a meeting with representatives of the Orthodox clergy of the Vitebsk region held the day before, which left him with the most positive impressions. "Both I and the Holy See highly appreciate the peaceful coexistence of different denominations in Belarus. The position of the country's leadership and local authorities largely contributes to this situation. All other parties are also making efforts to maintain a calm interfaith environment," the Vatican representative stressed. Claudio Gucherotti also shared his impressions of Belarus with journalists. "I feel at home here, I see peace and European culture," he said. "Unfortunately, Europe actually knows little about Belarus. And this is a great drawback of European cultural education. This is even more regrettable given the existing problems." Pope Benedict XVI appointed Archbishop Claudio Gucherotti Apostolic Nuncio to Belarus on July 16, 2011. Previously, he served as Apostolic Nuncio to Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. This is a diplomatic position. A nuncio is a diplomatic representative of the Pope in a country with which the Vatican has diplomatic relations. Claudio Gucherotti is on a two-day visit to Vitebsk. The day before, he met with the leadership of the regional and city executive committees, representatives of the Orthodox clergy, visited the Marc Chagall House-Museum, and today he is taking part in festive pre-Easter services at the Cathedral of Jesus the Merciful. -0-