Pope Responds To Ukrainian Orthodox Message

VATICAN, Apr. 10, 01 (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul II has sent a private letter to Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev, responding to the letter in which the Orthodox leader urged the Pope to shelve his plans for a June visit to Ukraine. The Holy See has not divulged the contents of the Pope's letter.

Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls told reporters on Tuesday that the Pope's letter had been delivered to Metropolitan Vladimir by Cardinal Roberto Tucci on April 7. Cardinal Tucci, is responsible for coordinating the advance planning for papal trips, was in Ukraine making preparations for the Pope's visit.

The content of the Pope's message to Metropolitan Vladimir is expected to be made public within a few days.

Metropolitan Vladimir wrote to the Pontiff on January 22, on behalf of the 42 Ukrainian Orthodox bishops who are aligned with the Patriarchate of Moscow. He urged the Pope not to go through with his planned visit, saying that it could complicate ecumenical relations. The metropolitan cited the continuing tensions between Orthodox and Ukrainian-rite Catholics, and the three-way split within the Orthodox community of Ukraine. (In contrast to the bishops aligned with Moscow, two other competing Orthodox groups in Ukraine have indicated that the Pope is welcome.)

The Vatican has made it clear that, despite the objection of the Orthodox leaders, the Pope will not change his plans.

Catholic World News Service - Vatican Update
10. april 2001