‘We are pleased with the great relations we have had with the Holy See, and we very much appreciate the fact that you never recognised the Soviet occupation, and the Lithuanian diplomatic mission at the Holy See continued to operate, while the Lithuanian word on the Vatican Radio was our voice to the world’, said the Prime Minister.
Ingrida Šimonytė expressed support for the activities of the Holy See and of the Pope aimed at promoting peace in the world, advocating for greater respect for women, protection of the environment, and the principles of human dignity.
‘Lithuania is trying its best to help those who are fleeing political persecution and dangers of war. Thousands of Belarusians and representatives of Russian civil society fleeing persecution, Afghans evacuated from Kabul and their relatives have found refuge in Lithuania’, said the Prime Minister.
According to the Prime Minister, Lithuania and the Vatican share the goal of supporting countries suffering from aggression. Lithuania is one of Ukraine’s biggest supporters on its path to freedom.
Lithuania supports the actions of the Holy See in Ukraine, therefore, on behalf of Lithuania, the Prime Minister handed over 10 000 euros to the Pope for Ukraine Foundation. The Pope Foundation was established in 2016 to show compassion and solidarity with all the people of Ukraine, irrespective of their faith, and particularly with those whose fates have been affected by the war.
The Prime Minister presented the Pope with a drawing by graphic artist Eglė Kuckaitė, featuring the Chapel of the Gate of Dawn, and a fragment of the chapel decor (roses and doves), symbolising the main values of Christianity - purity of soul, hope and peace. According to the Prime Minister, the Pope warmly remembered his visit to Lithuania three years ago and the visit to the Chapel of the Gate of Dawn.
After the meeting with the Holy Father, the Prime Minister met with the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher to discuss the bilateral relations and international policy.
