Pope Francis expressed concern on Sunday over Ukraine's recent decision to ban a Russian-affiliated branch of the Orthodox Church.

During his weekly prayers, the Pope cautioned against interfering with places of worship, referencing the newly enacted law signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Pope, who met with Zelensky in June at the G7 summit in Italy, voiced his worries about the potential impact on religious freedom in Ukraine.

PHOTO | COURTESY Pope Francis

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The law, approved by Zelensky on Saturday, aims to sever ties between the Russian-linked Orthodox Church and Ukraine, a move that has faced strong opposition from Russia.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, efforts to distance Ukrainian religious institutions from Moscow have intensified.

Although the Ukrainian Orthodox Church officially declared independence from the Moscow Patriarchate in 2022, Ukrainian authorities continue to accuse some of its clergy of maintaining loyalty to Russia.

Pope Francis reiterated his sorrow over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began with Russia's invasion in February 2022.