The Importance of Religious Freedom: Pope Francis Speaks Out

After the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis shared his concerns about the decision in Kyiv to ban the Orthodox Church linked to the Moscow Patriarchate. He passionately appealed, “Let no Christian Church be abolished directly or indirectly.”

Standing Up for Religious Freedom

During his address, Pope Francis expressed his sorrow over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the Russian Federation. He highlighted the importance of religious freedom, especially in light of recent laws passed in Ukraine. The Pope stressed that those who pray should be able to do so freely, without fear of persecution or discrimination.

Challenging Kyiv’s Decision

The recent bill in Kyiv, which aims to sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church, has raised concerns about the infringement of religious rights. Pope Francis denounced any attempts to abolish Christian Churches, reaffirming that sacred places of worship should be respected and protected.

Prayers for Peace

In addition to addressing the religious freedom issue, Pope Francis called for prayers for peace in regions plagued by conflict, including Palestine, Israel, Myanmar, and beyond. He urged the world to come together in prayer for an end to violence and to seek lasting peace for all people.

As we reflect on Pope Francis’s powerful words, let us remember the importance of upholding religious freedom and embracing peace in our troubled world.

By Vatican News