Prime Minister has extended greetings to Pope Francis and invited him to visit Lithuania

Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis has sent a letter to Pope Francis, extending greetings on behalf of the Government and the people of Lithuania on the Pope’s birthday anniversary and wishing him fortitude on the apostolic path.

“Lithuania highly appreciates cooperation with the Holy See. On this occasion, let me sincerely thank Your Holiness for the fruitful and durable cooperation between the Holy See and the State of Lithuania. This year, the visit of His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to Lithuania has marked two significant occasions: the National Congress of Mercy, held in Vilnius, and the 25th anniversary of restoration of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and the Holy See. Let me note that Lithuania and its people highly value support of the Holy See during the period of the Soviet occupation. Lithuania finds it highly important that the Holy See has never recognized the occupation and annexation of Lithuania. We sincerely trust that active and friendly relations between Lithuania and the Holy See will continue to develop in the same spirit.      

On this occasion, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, let me kindly invite Your Holiness to pay a visit Lithuania. With his visit to Lithuania 23 years ago, Pope John Paul II has consolidated the growth of freedom and democracy of our country, and has helped find new prospects for cooperation between the State and the Church. The people of Lithuania are looking forward to Your Holiness’s visit to our country.

On behalf of the people of Lithuania, we wish Your Holiness Merry Christmas and many good wishes for the New Year! Please accept, Your Holiness, the assurances of my highest consideration”, reads Prime Minister’s letter.