Cardinal Ladislav Nemet: The Pope’s Visit to Serbia Would Be of Great Importance for the Entire Country and Society
Cardinal and Archbishop of Belgrade Ladislav Nemet stated in an interview with Newsmax Balkans that, during the Easter holidays, we should focus more on our families rather than on unnecessarily escalating tensions.
"The foundation of all our aspirations is the desire within us to be strong, to persevere, and for all that is beautiful to live on forever. One of the greatest desires people have is to stop time during moments of joy. To always feel happiness, to be blessed, to have peace within our families and society, to be able to grow, and to enjoy what we have. Easter, in a single expression, represents all of this – life, goodness, and forgiveness," said Cardinal Nemet.
Speaking about the turbulent times we live in, the Archbishop of Belgrade emphasized the importance of dialogue and recalled that, in the past, even wars were paused during Easter and Christmas.
"I believe this should be a message for us in Serbia as well – to focus more on our families and on love within families during these holy days, rather than on unnecessarily increasing tensions. Easter should lead us toward peace and unity," Nemet stated.
Pope Francis has appointed new cardinals, including Belgrade Archbishop Ladislav Nemet, the first in the history of the Catholic Church in Serbia. The archbishop believes that Europe is open to Serbia joining "this great community," emphasizing the cultural closeness between Serbians and Europeans.
Cardinal Nemet said the greatest challenge for Christianity today is to authentically represent God and Jesus.
"To interpret His gospel in a way that is meaningful to people. If the best within us improves, we will encounter witnesses like ourselves, and that can lead to change. That change must begin within us – we must first improve ourselves, be honest and sincere, and seek love and kindness toward others," he emphasized.
He stressed that one of Christianity’s challenges as a system is the weakening of true faith.
"We go to church, say a prayer, and light a candle. But internal change must also happen," said Nemet.
Responding to a question about a possible visit by Pope Francis to Serbia, the cardinal said he does not believe such a visit will happen at this moment due to health reasons.
"I know privately, from contacts, that he intended to visit several times. In 2016, we even had a date. But three weeks before the visit, it was said that the time was not yet right," said the Archbishop of Belgrade.
There is political will among Serbia’s leaders, Nemet added.
"The Catholic people have invited him. I officially extended an invitation on behalf of the bishops’ conference 10 years ago, and I mentioned it to him again personally the last time I saw him in January. There is goodwill on his part. We know that the Serbian Orthodox Church also plays an important role. How open it is to such a visit is another matter," said Cardinal Nemet.
According to him, the Pope’s visit to Serbia would be of general significance for the entire country and society.
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