Копыльский районный исполнительный комитет

MINSK, 23 December (BelTA) - Apostolic Nuncio in Belarus Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti will hold a Christmas service in English. "For overseas guests, I will conduct the service in the English language," Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti said in an interview with Belarus 1 TV channel, BelTA learned. It will be the first Christmas the Archbishop will hold without his family as his parents died. Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti will celebrate this holiday in Belarus together with believers.
In addition, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti said: "In the post-Soviet countries people are more focused on celebrating the New Year, rather than Christmas. It seems that for many people it is important to spend as much time as possible at the table indulging in food and drinks. This is contrary to the spirit of Christmas. The holiday is the time for peace and inner harmony.”
When asked about the resignation of Pope Benedict and the election of Pope Francis, the Vatican Ambassador emphasized that it was a historic event. The Nuncio said that the Catholic Church should not be defined by one single person. This year’s Christmas will be the first for the Roman Pontiff in his new capacity. Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti said: "Let's see what the Pope will surprise us with because to surprise is in his habit.”
With regard to the recent appointment of several new bishops for Belarus by Pope Francis, the Nuncio said: “This is a significant event. The new bishops represent a generation of young Belarusians. These are the people who understand and deeply experience their Belarusian roots. Therefore it will be interesting for me to see how they work, how they help believers.”