because it is rotten. And it is nonsense and completely absurd what they do around [the pope’s visit]. The visit will neither bring anything to us, nor take anything from us.
Vasily Lihachov, pensioner, 75:
I am against his visit because we are Orthodox and they are Catholic, although I do not think that it will have any grave implications for Ukraine. I don’t think anyone will convert to Catholicism after he comes.
Iryna Sidorova, housewife, 48:
I do not really care about this visit. The only thing I can tell is that it will not influence my life. And as for those who protest his coming, I believe that they have some historical grounds for it.
Roman Shtirlits, student, 20:
The pope’s visit will bring something to Ukraine. I think we need some radical changes in order to change our society.
Yury Glyadelov, pensioner, 64:
I think all this fuss around the pope’s visit is a sham. The government is spending a lot of money [on it], and they promise that this visit will
| Yury Glyadelov, pensioner, 64 |
change something. Unfortunately, the majority of people do not see that this is just another trick. I am of the opinion that Ukraine has long been a kind of colony of the United States through the IMF loans, and the pope is from the same team.
Oleh Ushmaev, construction worker, 24:
I think that this visit will not change anything because the people here are not able to change at all – at least I see it this way. It does not matter who comes here, people will remain the same. And it is just a waste of Ukraine’s money.
Martina Blits, scientist, 62:
I take this visit quite positively, and I think that the effect of this visit will be positive as well. I personally do
| Anna Yeryomenko, student, 17 |
not believe in God, but at the same time, I think that harmony and peace should be the main things in our lives, and the pope’s visit is a sign of this harmony. Also, the protests against him are shortsighted.
Anna Yeryomenko, student, 17:
I think that the pope’s visit will positively influence the Ukrainian people. After all, he is the pope and is closer to God. Maybe he can give us some kind of message. Also, I think that due to his visit, many people will adopt Catholicism.
