The head of the Progressive Socialist Party of Ukraine, Natalia Vitrenko, who is known to be an extreme left-winged pro-Russian politician, opposes a possible visit of Pope Francis to Ukraine and is ready to organize protest actions.
“The Roman Pope should agree upon his visit with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus as it is he who is the head of the Orthodox in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Greek Catholics should not make such statements without agreement with the Orthodox or boss around in our land. If the Roman Pope comes without the invitation of Patriarch Kirill, he will be an unwanted guest met with protests,” stated Mrs. Vitrenko.
The reaction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) to a possible visit of the Pope has been quieter.
“Naturally, his flock is here and he has a right to come to Ukraine and meet with Greek Catholics and Roman Catholics.
“However, traditionally, such visits are coordinated with the church to which the majority of the country belongs. In Ukraine, it is the Orthodox and we hope that the Roman Pope will do that for the sake of church peace,” stated the head of the Information and Education Department of the Synod of UOC-MP, Protopriest Heorhii Kovalenko.