Ukrainian priest dismissed after criticising Pope

After criticizing Pope Francis

Bishop removes Ukrainian priest from office in Switzerland

The Ukrainian priest, Nazar Zatorskyy has clashed with the Pope. Now he has to give up a leadership role in Switzerland.

The Ukrainian priest Nazar Zatorskyy (45) was not born with diplomacy. Since the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the man of God has been dishing out comments harshly. He compares Vladimir Putin to Hitler and criticizes Switzerland's neutrality as well as the Pope's reluctance to criticise Moscow.

Accused Pope of spreading Russian propaganda

When Pope Francis (87) indirectly called on Ukraine on Ticino television to raise the white flag and have the courage to negotiate, Zatorskyy's priestly collar burst. With sharp words he attacked the Vicar of Christ on earth and accused him of spreading Russian propaganda.

His temperament is now Zatorskyy's undoing. As a priest of the Greek Catholic Church, his superior is not the Bishop of Chur, but a Ukrainian bishop in Paris. He has withdrawn his role as episcopal representative for Switzerland with immediate effect.

He is still allowed to hold church services

Zatorskyy has previously coordinated pastoral care for Ukrainians in Switzerland - an immense task due to the many refugees. Especially since not only Catholics come to the Ukrainian church services, but also many Orthodox people who criticise the cozy relationship between Moscow Patriarch Kirill (77) and Kremlin boss Putin (71).

As a simple priest, Nazar Zatorskyy is allowed to continue to celebrate services. Zatorskyy to Blick: “I will not let myself be silenced and will continue to fight for the freedom of Ukraine.”

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