Minsk is counting on Vatican in normalizing Belarusian-European relations

During a meeting with the Apostolic Nuncio in Belarus Claudio Gugerotti, President Lukashenka said that he would like to meet with Pope Francis. The Belarusian officials from time to time talk about their interest in the mutual visits at the highest level between Belarus and Vatican. They are unlikely to expect Pope Francis’ visit to Belarus as head of the Catholic Church due to the opposition from the Belarusian Orthodox Church bishops. However, Minsk is attempting to step up diplomatic contacts with the Holy See and to use them as an additional mechanism for the normalization of relations with Western capitals. On their side, the Belarusian authorities are ready not to interfere with the development of the Catholic Church in the country.