Pope criticizes Ukraine and Zelensky over religious freedom law – Deseret News

Pope Francis calls on Ukraine not to allow the conflict with Russia to undermine its support for religious freedom.

After a prayer service on Sunday, the Catholic Church leader criticized the new Ukrainian law that bans churches belonging to the Russian Orthodox Church, arguing that churches should not become victims of war.

“When I think of the laws recently passed in Ukraine, I fear for the freedom of those who pray, because whoever truly prays always prays for everyone,” the Pope said, according to Religion News Service.

He continued: “Please do not allow any Christian church to be abolished directly or indirectly. Churches must not be touched!”

Ukraine bans churches with ties to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the ban on some Orthodox churches on Ukraine's Independence Day on Saturday, a day before Pope Francis delivered his address.

The new law gives churches nine months to sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church, Vatican News reports. It comes in response to allegations that Orthodox Church leaders in Ukraine have pledged important support to Russia throughout the war.

“Ukraine's security service has accused the UOC of acting as a platform to justify Russia's invasion of Ukraine and says its churches are havens for spies. The organization has initiated criminal proceedings against at least 100 UOC clergy, and 26 have already been convicted,” Religion News Service reported.

Vatican leaders were among those who tried to resolve tensions surrounding the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, but they failed to allay the fears of most Ukrainian politicians or most Ukrainians.

“A survey conducted in April by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found that 83% of Ukrainians believed the government should intervene in the UOC's activities, while 63% favored a complete ban on the church,” Religion News Service reported.

Pope speaks about Ukraine

During the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Pope Francis has prayed for peace and called on all Catholics to pray for peace as well.

According to Religion News Service, he continued that refrain this weekend.

“I continue to follow the fighting in Ukraine and the Russian Federation with sadness,” the Pope said. “Let us continue to pray for an end to the wars in Palestine, in Israel, in Myanmar and in all other regions. People are asking for peace! Let us pray that the Lord will give us all peace.”