Pope Francis has been critical of the new law passed in Ukraine, which outlaws any activity of the Orthodox Church linked to Russia.
POPE FRANCIS
One does not commit evil because one prays. If someone commits evil against his people, he will be guilty for it, but he cannot have committed evil because he prayed. Let those who want to pray be allowed to pray in what they consider their church. Please let no Christian Church be abolished directly or indirectly, the Churches should not be touched!
The Ukrainian government defended their new law, claiming it will strengthen their “spiritual independence.” But the Patriarchate of Moscow described it as a “witch-hunt.”
While praying the Angelus, the Pope also made a statement on Nicaragua, where discrimination against the Catholic Church has been on the rise. The Pope greeted the Nicaraguan people with a brief message.
POPE FRANCIS
To the beloved people of Nicaragua: I encourage you to renew your hope in Jesus. Remember that the Holy Spirit always guides history towards higher plans. May the Immaculate Virgin protect you in times of trial and make you feel her maternal tenderness.
Recently in Nicaragua, under the regime of President Daniel Ortega, a law was passed that equates religious institutions to private companies, so everything they receive will be subject to taxes, making it extremely difficult for the religious institutions to survive economically and to carry out their work.
CA/JRB
TR: AT
