The Wall Street Journal: “Pope Faces Pressure Over Russia in Georgia Visit”

A leading American newspaper The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has published an article about Pope Francis’ visit to Georgia.

"Pope Francis’ visit to the former Soviet state of Georgia this week poses a dilemma for the Catholic leader, as his pursuit of warmer relations with Russia exposes him to accusations he is soft-pedaling his central human-rights agenda,” WSJ wrote.

The article added that the pontiff, who had been accused of ignoring Russia’s role in the Ukraine conflict, had avidly sought better ties with the Russian Orthodox Church and was generally reluctant to antagonise the Kremlin.

"In Georgia on Friday and Saturday, he faces the possibility either of a setback to his efforts for Christian unity or more claims that he is appeasing an expansionist Russia,” WSJ said.

"Leaders in Georgia, which borders Russia to the south, hope to use the papal visit to call attention to the continued presence of Russian troops in the separatist territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which Moscow recognized as independent after a brief 2008 war between the two countries.”

The article stressed that Georgia also would like the pope to speak out about the plight of refugees from the breakaway regions.

Read the full article here: www.wsj.com