Ukraine Looks Forward to Pope, Journalist Says

LVOV, Ukraine, MAY 16, 2001 (Zenit.org).- Ukraine is anxiously awaiting John Paul II's upcoming trip - no matter what the world media say, a journalist here contends.

"No one is against the Pope's visit to Ukraine, with the exception of a small radical group," journalist Zoriana Kurdyna told ZENIT. "It is important to say this."

According to this journalist, who writes for several major publications, Ukraine seems to be experiencing the same atmosphere that preceded the Pope's recent to Athens, Greece: The people await him with enthusiasm while the world media only express the views of radical groups.

"There is too much talk in the foreign media about this small, negative movement, which is opposed to the Holy Father's visit," Kurdyna contended.

"The position of the hierarchy of the Moscow Patriarchate does not reflect the thinking of Orthodox faithful," the journalist added. "In the main, they show great interest in the papal visit, which will take place from June 23-27. If anything, some are indifferent, but certainly not hostile."

Zenit - The World Seen From Rome
16. mai 2001