Pope Criticizes Ukraine's Ban on Russia-Linked Orthodox Church

Ukraine War Live Ticker +++ 14:13 Pope criticizes ban on Orthodox Church in Ukraine +++ Pope Francis criticizes the ban on the Russia-affiliated Orthodox Church in Ukraine. Referring to the law issued by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the pontiff said in his Sunday prayer: "No Christian church may be abolished directly or indirectly. The churches must not be touched!" Ukraine justifies the ban with the support of the Moscow Patriarchate for the Russian war of aggression. On this, the Pope said..

Pope Francis criticized the Kiev administration's decision to ban the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church; he said, "Churches should not be touched."

Pope Francis criticized Ukraine's ban on Russia-linked Orthodox Church, citing Moscow Patriarchate's support for Russian war. Ukraine says ban justified, but Pope argues praying not evil, churches must not be abolished. Ukrainian Orthodox Church previously belonged to Moscow Patriarchate, but cut ties after Russian invasion. Ban affects estimated 3 million worshippers under President Volodymyr Zelensky. Vatican rejects charge from Kiev of siding with Russia.