Jozic: signing of concordat between Belarus and the Holy See remains topic for the future
The topic of signing the concordat between Belarus and the Holy See remains for the future – as noted by Apostolic Nuncio to Belarus Ante Jozic after his today’s meeting with President Aleksandr Lukashenko on the occasion of the completion of his diplomatic mission in the republic, BelTA reports
Ante Jozic said that, during the meeting, his ‘work over the past four years, as well as various events developing inside the church, the state and around Belarus’ were discussed. “The topic of signing the concordat between Belarus and the Holy See has not been discussed, this issue remains for the future," he added.
The Vatican representative also shared his impressions of Belarus, “Your people are good and peaceful. Despite all the difficulties that emerge, people are moving forward.”
"There are many positive aspects in Belarus that I am taking with me, and of which I will tell not only journalists, but also mention in my work, in my speeches. I will refer to this source, as it has been a good lesson for me as well,” Ante Jozic said.
The Roman Catholic Church is the second denomination in the Republic of Belarus in terms of the number of believers. Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Belarus and the Holy See were established on November 11th, 1992, and the Apostolic Nunciature operates in Minsk. Aleksandr Lukashenko visited the Vatican two times: in 2009 and 2016. In 2016, the President invited the Pope to visit Belarus. In 2008-2023, Minsk was visited by representatives of the leadership of the Roman Curia 12 times, including twice at the level of state secretaries of the Holy See who were received by the Head of State. In October 2017, a new building of the Apostolic Nunciature officially opened in Minsk; the ceremony – attended by Deputy Secretary of State Giovanni Becciu – was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Belarus and the Holy See. In November-December 2022, the Vatican held a number of events in Minsk to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations: a festive reception, the cancellation of a specially issued joint postage stamp, and the presentation of the Belarusian-language version of the Code of Canon Law prepared by the Vatican. High representatives of the Vatican regularly participate in celebrations on the occasion of significant dates related to Catholicism in Belarus.
The approaches of Belarus and the Holy See on key issues on the world agenda largely coincide, and they include the need to reform the Helsinki Pact, hopes for the revival of the principle of multilateralism and impartiality in the work of the United Nations, the value of dialogue as the only true way to resolve conflict situations, the understanding that the topic of food security should be above the political conjuncture. Contacts between Minsk and the Vatican are developing productively within the framework of the United Nations, where joint efforts to combat human trafficking, protection of the natural family and traditional family values are the priority issues of interaction.
