Latvian Centennial Pilgrimage Rome Latvia marked a significant milestone as Prime Minister Evika Sili\u0146a joined a national pilgrimage from Latvia to Rome, commemorating 100 years since the country\u2019s first official visit to the Eternal City. The historic journey brought together Latvian faithful to celebrate their Christian heritage and strengthen ties with the Holy See. At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV received the Latvian pilgrims, acknowledging their fears amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. He encouraged them not to lose hope and urged them to seek the peace that only God can give. Following the audience with the pope, Prime Minister Sili\u0146a met with Fr. Rihard Rasnacis, head of EWTN Latvia, to discuss Latvia\u2019s Christian roots, its ecumenical traditions, and the nation\u2019s relationship with the Holy See. On the importance of the visit, Sili\u0146a said:\u201cThis visit to Rome was also very important for me, to show that the Latvian government works together with our Latvian people who are believers, for whom being in the Vatican is very important\u2026 and the new Pope was very pleasantly surprised and happy that so many pilgrims from Latvia came to the Vatican.\u201d Sili\u0146a emphasized Latvia\u2019s ecumenical approach, where the government participates alongside churches in national celebrations. She explained:\u201cI told him that we actually have an ecumenical tradition, whereby the government also participates. For example, on our State Independence Day many churches come together and pray for our country and our people. And what is important is peace in the world right now.\u201d She added that Pope Leo XIV is well aware of the geopolitical challenges Latvia faces, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine, and appreciates the country\u2019s efforts to remain resilient. The Prime Minister identified shared cultural and religious celebrations as key areas for cooperation between Latvia and the Vatican. She noted: \u201cThe Aglona celebrations, where the government also usually participates and many, many people come from different churches, not only Catholic, to celebrate this day of the Virgin Mary.\u201d Sili\u0146a highlighted the government\u2019s ongoing support for Latvia\u2019s Christian communities, particularly in preserving sacred heritage:\u201cEvery year, our budget includes a special program for many Christian denominations and churches, which can be used for historical sites and reconstruction work. Each year there are specific needs, and we try to decide how we can help the Church, because we truly know how important it was after the Soviet period, when Christians were not allowed to go to church and pray, not to give up those Christian values for our people.\u201d She added that Christianity continues to inspire younger generations, especially in Latvia, where many young people belong to churches. She posits that it\u2019s because \u201cin such a troubling time, with social media, it can give hope\u2026 I know how much Christianity can contribute to your inner strength. And I am a believer, so I believe we can show the younger generations that we can be strong in our values and not give up.\u201d Regarding the Jubilee\u2019s motto, \u201cPilgrims of Hope\u201d, Sili\u0146a emphasized the Church\u2019s role in nurturing hope and unity, as she thinks that \u201cit unites people, because we are united by one holy God. What always unites us is our hope and our freedom\u2014for example, that you can speak your own language and love it. The Church can always go to people and help them, and when you feel forgiven, you see the world a little differently.\u201d The visit reinforced Latvia\u2019s enduring Christian identity while highlighting the nation\u2019s connection to the Vatican and its commitment to peace, unity, and spiritual resilience. Adapted by Jacob Stein. Produced by Alexey Gotovskiy. Edited by Giada d’Ottavi. Camera by Alberto Basile, Fabio Gonnella. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp Alexey Gotovskiy Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. More news related to this article Pope Francis expresses sorrow over \u2018spiral of death\u2019 in the Holy Land U.S. embassy in Rome honors first American-born pope as U.S.-Vatican diplomatic milestone Christians In Gaza, Syria \u2018Need Everything,\u2019 Vatican Cardinal Says Pope Leo XIV Brings Joy and Peace to Children at Vatican Summer Camp The Chosen Cast Meets the Pope, Visits EWTN: \u201cRome Breathes the Gospel\u201d Pope Francis\u2019 Voice Still Present at COP28 Despite Illness<\/p>\n