Pope Francis Criticizes Ukraine’s New Law Banning Russian Orthodox Church Over Religious Freedom Concerns

Pope Francis has voiced concerns about a new Ukrainian law that bans the Russian Orthodox Church from operating within the country.

Speaking during his Angelus address on August 25, the Pope expressed fears for religious freedom, particularly for those who wish to pray in their own churches.

“I fear for the freedom of those who pray,” he said, adding, “Let no Christian church be abolished directly or indirectly. Churches are not to be touched!”

Pope Francis, without directly referencing the law, noted, “A person does not commit evil because of praying.” 

Ending his remarks, Pope Francis urged, “Let those who want to pray be allowed to pray in what they consider their church.” 

The law, signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on August 24, mandates that religious organizations with ties to the Russian Orthodox Church must sever those connections within nine months. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, historically aligned with Moscow, is directly impacted by this legislation.

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, defended the law, describing it as a measure to “protect the religious environment of Ukraine from the instrumentalization” seen in the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church during the ongoing conflict, reported CNS.

Ukraine’s embassy to the Holy See also responded to the Pope’s concerns, asserting that the law does not infringe on individual religious freedom. The embassy said on Twitter that the restrictions are necessary to defend Ukraine from aggression, and “the law in no way concerns ‘the freedom of one who prays.’”

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