During the meeting, the President emphasized Lithuania’s strong ties with the Holy See, built on long-standing mutual respect and friendship.
According to Gitanas Nausėda, the Holy See’s attention to our country is also evidenced by the Lithuanian National Pilgrimage Days of the Jubilee Year 2025, during which more than 2,500 pilgrims from Lithuania travel to Rome.
“Lithuania will always remember the Holy See’s historical support for our country, particularly its refusal to recognize the Soviet occupation and annexation. At that time, the Church in Lithuania stood as one of the most important moral strongholds of resistance against oppression and the struggle for freedom. In Lithuania’s pursuit of independence, the Holy See played a key role in contributing to bringing down the Soviet evil empire”, the Head of State said.
According to the Lithuanian leader, the Holy See has consistently upheld a strong values-based stance, both in the past and today. He highlighted the Catholic Church’s active support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, including mediating for the release of civilians, facilitating the return of children, and providing comprehensive humanitarian aid.
“The international community must stand with Ukraine and uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter, because only by supporting Ukraine can we achieve peace through strength across Europe,” the President underlined.
The meeting also addressed the situation of the Church and the faithful in Russia and Belarus, where religious freedom and human rights are severely restricted. President Gitanas Nausėda reaffirmed Lithuania’s unwavering commitment to democracy and freedom.
Following the meeting, President Gitanas Nausėda, Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, and Vilnius Archbishop Gintaras Grušas participated in the consecration ceremony of the restored Lithuanian Cross in the Vatican Gardens.
