Pope rejected in Serbia, there alarmed that Vatican will recognise Kosovo

Periskopi

13 July 2018, 12:16(8 years ago)

In Serbia, a debate has erupted between Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic and opinion there over the tense Vatican relations with official Belgrade. Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic says that if the Pope and Vatican leader decide to recognise Kosovo, then the blame is former President Tomislav Nikolic. How many Nikolic was president of [...]

As many as Nikolic was president of Serbia, the pope had appointed an agenda to visit Serbia, but this state, also at the recommendation of the Serbian Orthodox Church, had cancelled the visit to Serbia of the Vatican leader.

Regarding what is now being described as a diplomatic incident, Dacic has made public in the media the former Serbian president's corruption with the Vatican, with regard to the visit, and then her annulment. For these publications he is being criticised in Serbia, but Dacic has responded that if the Vatican happens to recognise Kosovo, then Nikolic is to blame and not personally, writes Metro newspaper.

“I have not caused damage to the state by publishing the truth about the Pope's visit, but the damage was initially caused by Tomislav Nikolic, after canceling the visit of Roman Catholic Church head”, Dacic said.

“If Nikolic asked permission for the Serbian Church's visit, why didn't he ask him before inviting the Vatican leader. A Pope is not only a religious leader, but also the head of state that has not recognised Kosovo, and this is important for us to fight for our southern province. Thus, with this annulment of the visit, we will allow the Pope to go to Pristina, but he cannot come to Serbia. Do not complain afterwards if the Vatican recognises Kosovo”, Dacic told Vecernje Novosti.

Speaking of rivalry between Orthodoxism and Catholicism, Dacic stressed that the number one Vatican, even before deciding to go to Serbia, had visited other predominantly Orthodox countries.

On the other hand, Dacic has said it is irresponsible for the state to consult only the Church, and cancel the visit. According to him, after all, if the Serbian Church is leading the state, then what kind of president would be such a president.

The Pope's visit to Serbia was envisioned in January 2016. Later, the Vatican confirmed the date of the visit on 21 May or 22 May and sent a note suggesting that the Vatican delegation will go to Belgrade on 24 January and begin preparations for the visit scheduled for 21 May and 22 May. However, elections were later announced in Serbia, and this was used by the former Serbian president as a reason to cancel Pope's visit.