Lukashenko Pardons Priests, Eases Tensions with Vatican

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned two Roman Catholic priests, Henrykh Akalatovich and Andrzej Yukhnevich, following diplomatic discussions with the Vatican. Akalatovich, sentenced for treason, and Yukhnevich, accused of abusing minors, were released as a gesture of mercy. This move comes after a visit by Vatican envoy Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti and follows Lukashenkos effort to improve relations with Western countries by releasing hundreds of prisoners. However, human rights organizations report that over a thousand political prisoners, including twenty-nine priests, remain incarcerated.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.