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On 22-23 September Pope Francis visited Lithuania in the apostolic journey and on a state visit. Pope Francis had his first meeting in Vilnius with the President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė on 22 September.

The President expressed her gratitude to the Pope for his attention to Lithuania, especially to our history and fight for freedom. It is particularly significant that the Holy See had never recognized the occupation of Lithuania and preserved its diplomatic representation. The Vatican consistently supported anti-Soviet resistance.

During their meeting, the President and the Holy Father – one of the most prominent leaders of our time – spoke about security in our region. Lithuania, which lives in the neighborhood of lies and aggression, is very well aware of those fighting for their freedom and independence and feels deep compassion for them. This is why we are committed to helping the people of Ukraine and Georgia and reminding the world about the problems they face.

Lithuania cherishes the values of humanity and mercy promoted by the Pope and aims to maintain an open, free and creative society. It is also highly relevant to Europe, as it deals with populism and nationalism threats. Lithuania stands in solidarity with other countries when addressing refugee issues. Only joint efforts can help us overcome painful problems of social exclusion, human rights and environmental protection.

A strong church and its strong say are very important to our country. Lithuania supports the efforts of the Holy Father to bring the church closer to young people and backs the implemented reforms.

President Dalia Grybauskaitė presented Pope Francis with a symbol of Lithuanian independence, Freedom Bell, and a recording of a unique music piece “Gloria Lietuvai.”

The Holy Father‘s gift is a reproduction of a ninth-century mosaic placed above the tomb of St. Peter and below the Papal Altar in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Pope also presented the President with four of his books and a papal medal.

The Pope wrote in the Presidential guest book: “With gratitude for your generous welcome and hospitality. I willingly assure you and the people of Lithuania of my continued prayers, and I invoke upon all of you Almighty God’s abundant blessings. Francis.”

After the bilateral meeting, the President delivered on behalf of the Lithuanian people a welcome address to the Pope, which was followed by the Pope’s speech.

Later that day, the Holy Father prayed in the Mater Misericordiae (Gate of Dawn) Shrine and met with young people in the Cathedral Square.

On 23 September Pope Francis celebrated the Holy Mass in the Santakos Park, Kaunas, where believers from all over Lithuania and pilgrims from other countries have gathered. The Holy Mass traditionally was followed by the Angelus prayer – the main event of the Pope’s visit.

In the afternoon of 23 September Pope Francis with the President of Lithuania payed tribute to the victims of the Vilnius Ghetto in the Rūdininkai Square. The Holy Father stopped for a silent prayer by the monument. The 23th of September is the National Memorial Day for the Genocide of Lithuanian Jews. This day marks 75 years since the liquidation of the Vilnius Ghetto, whose inmates were shot dead in Paneriai or sent to the Nazi concentration camps.

Later, the Pope said his prayers in the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, a former KGB prison. Together with people in Lukiškės Square, the Pope prayed for those who died for the freedom of Lithuania at the Memorial to the Victims of Soviet occupation.

President Dalia Grybauskaitė stressed, that the Catholic Church played a significant role in our freedom fights against the occupation regime. The efforts of believers and clergymen to protect and promote the faith that was outlawed, their struggle for freedom was an important step towards national independence. We highly appreciate the Pope’s attention to Lithuania’s dedicated fight for freedom.

Photos by R.Dačkus/ Press Service of the President