Ukraine – Vatican: Interstate and inter-church relations (1991–2005)

Abstract

The article examines the stages of the formation of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Vatican in the 1990s. The chronology of official meetings and visits of officials was followed, the causes of difficulties with delaying the opening of the Ukrainian Embassy in the Vatican were identified. The Vatican was interested in a close relationship with Ukraine, where the Catholic Church was granted equal rights alongside other denominations, which served as a basis and example for further in-depth dialogue with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). The papal mission in Ukraine aimed to protect the status of the Catholic Church and to ensure religious freedom. The Vatican's policy towards an independent Ukraine, its support in the state's aspirations for European integration are analyzed. The importance of the visit of Pope John Paul II and his dialogue in Ukrainian society for the development of inter-church cooperation, inter-confessional dialogue, Ukrainian-Polish reconciliation in matters of historical memory was established. The disconnection of inter-denominational disputes smoothed out the activities of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, whose work was judged to be attended by the Pope. In his speech to the audience of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, the Pope emphasized the multicultural space of Ukraine. The framework of cooperation between Ukraine and the Vatican in humanitarian policy, social and educational programs is traced. Cooperation between the two countries has contributed to the growth of the moral authority of Ukraine, as a European state with Western European values. Countries seeking to join the European Union (among them Ukraine) paid great attention to the spiritual factors of European integration, attending various forums and meetings held by the Vatican. Keywords Ukraine, Vatican, Roman Catholic Church, diplomatic relations, ecumenism.