Alexander Lukashenko met on Monday with Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches in the Vatican, who arrived in Belarus to attend celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Pinsk Diocese. The cardinal had already taken part in festivities over the weekend.
Greeting Gugerotti, Lukashenko expressed his wish that the cardinal visit Belarus more often. Gugerotti previously served as Apostolic Nuncio to Belarus.
“Come to Belarus more often, and you’ll live a very long life,” Lukashenko said.
Continuing the conversation, he thanked the cardinal for his visit and suggested discussing bilateral relations with the Vatican.
“I am fully aware of the details of your visit. I am very glad that you remembered Belarus and that you liked it — you liked our people, everyone: not only Catholics and Orthodox believers, but others as well. Even Muslims received your visit very warmly. This shows that your time in Belarus, if I may say so, did not pass without a trace.
That’s why I am sincerely glad to meet with you. I remember all our meetings, talks, and agreements — those we have fulfilled, and those we haven’t. Today, we can speak frankly and in a friendly way about everything. I’m very happy to meet and discuss any issues that may have accumulated in our relations,” Lukashenko said.
He also noted the successful development of the cardinal’s career.
“I’ve been following it closely. I’m very happy for you. I always believe there’s a small piece of the Belarusian soul in your success. So we welcome you here. You can come anytime. I don’t even know what kind of visa you need. He’s practically one of us — a Belarusian,” he added.
Gugerotti remarked that he still needed a visa, which usually takes around 15 days to obtain.
“No, we’ll fix that so you can come to Belarus anytime, without any 15 days. You’re not a stranger to us. From a security standpoint, you pose no danger,” Lukashenko replied.
“Not dangerous, not dangerous. I’m old — what do you expect?” Gugerotti joked.
“Old? We don’t consider you old. You’re working very actively — what kind of old age is that?” Lukashenko responded.
“Well, you know, my legs hurt sometimes,” the cardinal said.
“Listen, my knee has been hurting for about 40 years since I played football,” Lukashenko replied.
“Exactly — because we’re footballers, you see…” Gugerotti added.
Cardinal Gugerotti said he was pleased that the Pope had chosen him for the trip to Belarus and that he enjoyed his time in the country.
“It was such a celebration in Pinsk, Brest, and Homel. The meetings with people were wonderful. You could see their smiles. I felt there was hope, there were young people, boys, children — that means they understand the future is bright if we all work together,” the cardinal said.
He also emphasized the importance of dialogue in Europe.
“Dialogue is important — looking into each other’s eyes and realizing that we share the same thing: the soul. Then everything is possible when you feel respect and love for another person. The future is in our hands — and in God’s hands,” he said.
“I completely agree,” Lukashenko responded.