Apostolic Nuncio in Ukraine, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, told the Ukrainian media “Obozrevatel” about the reasons for the special attitude of Pope Francis to Ukraine, about his vision of ways to end the war in the east, about the prospects of the visit of the pontiff to Ukraine, Religion in Ukraine has reported.
Apostolic Nuncio in Ukraine, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, told the Ukrainian media “Obozrevatel” about the reasons for the special attitude of Pope Francis to Ukraine, about his vision of ways to end the war in the east, about the prospects of the visit of the pontiff to Ukraine, Religion in Ukraine has reported.
Answering the question “What questions are you asked the most often by His Holiness?", the legate replied: “This is something which the closest to the heart of the Pope - the suffering of the Ukrainian people and the search for peace, as well as the ways in which he can help here. He is interested in knowing life stories, which often relate to the poorest and humblest people, he does not like long conversations, especially if they seem rhetorical and unrelated to a particular reality. The relationship between churches and, of course, the life of Catholic communities is also close to his heart.”
In particular, during the last recent meeting, Pope Francis asked from where came the weapons from this war, expressing deep anger at those who make money on the sale, he is also often interested in the status of prisoners of war and their families, as well as in every possible way he can assist in their release.
“There is no other way for the Pope to overcome the conflict, except for a strong dialogue, a dialogue that respects the truth. The dialogue that is primarily aimed at the dignity of everyone, free from financial interests, and is not based on weapons. The dialogue, attentive to the promotion of affairs good for the suffering people, the dialogue for the development of a free and single society, which takes on the main responsibility for one's life, which is interested in the common good, and not in the benefit of only a few people,” said Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti.
When asked if he would have agreed to Pope Francis be invited to the Norman format, "the ambassador replied:" Regarding the Norman format or any other format, I am sure that if he was invited, the Pope would not do steps back, of course, respecting the direct nature of the Holy See, above personal interests and manipulation, and relying solely on the nature of the bearer of moral values. "
Claudio Gugerotti also confirmed the possible visit of the pontiff to Ukraine. “Of course, the Pope with great pleasure would come to Ukraine. He knows and loves this land, its people and the history of its sufferings. The condition of his visits is an opportunity to be an element of unification in order to grow love and mutual understanding in the country, and not the reason for the deepening of divisions and confrontations. In this context, the ecumenical aspect is very important,” said Nuncio.