We will be in the focus of attention of a strong player in the international arena, - Igor Kozlovsky on the Pope's visit
Historian and religious scholar Igor Kozlovsky said this in an interview with Glavkom.
"Until now, the papal see is in the same state as everyone else in the West: how not to offend Russia, how to find a common language with it. This is an important point in Vatican policy. But the very arrival of the pope in Ukraine will mean the return of a certain vector towards Ukraine. Ukraine is getting into the focus of greater attention of the Vatican, a strong player in the international arena," the expert said.
According to him, although the Vatican does a lot of useful things for Ukraine, however, some of its messages cause concern.
"Now we have a war, there is an aggressor, there is the suffering of people. The Vatican is doing a lot, they have a project to help those affected in eastern Ukraine. But politically, there is a certain problem in the messages and speeches of the Pope. There is a certain influence of Russia, the pope has many left-wing ideas. Of course, he will meet not only with Catholics but also with representatives of other religions. This means that there will be a different level of dialogue. He will also meet with the UOC/OCU, which is an important factor. Politically, this will be an important step. Of course, he will call on the Orthodox to unite. He will have questions related to the war as well," Igor Kozlovsky stressed.
The religious scholar also recalled that when he was held captive by militants, the Pope came to his defense.
"By the way, when I was in prison myself, Putin received letters from the Pope about the need for my release. In other words, this is an important visit for resolving humanitarian issues in eastern Ukraine, because it is a visit of both a state representative and a religious figure," the expert said.
