A Catholic priest was expelled from Russia without explanation, amid fears for the well-being of other clergy ministering in the country.
Father Fernando Vera, a Mexican member of Opus Dei, left Russia in mid-April after being told his residence permit was revoked.
Father Kirill Gorbunov, spokesman for the Russian bishops’ conference, told Catholic News Service April 21 no reason had been given for the priest’s expulsion, adding that the Catholic Church had “no reason” to believe it was connected with the conflict in Ukraine.
“All he did was relay to people what our bishops had already said – there’s no indication he went beyond that,” Gorbunov told. “The letter he received states that a person has the right to appeal, so we hope he’ll reapply for a visa and have a chance to resume his service here.”
“Although I haven’t listened to his church homilies, I know him personally as a balanced, reasonable person, who wouldn’t take radical positions. …Most priests and religious order members here are foreigners, and their superiors abroad are growing worried about them, with some suggesting they should consider leaving Russia for their own safety.”