Ukrainian Service of Radio Vatican: Vatican Has No Relation To Tymoshenko's Award

In connection with publication by mass media, including RISU, of a report about awarding Yulia Tymoshenko with a “Papal” prize, the Ukrainian Service of the Radio Vatican conducted an investigation and informed RISU about the results thereof.

“The author of the prize, "Academia Bonifaciana" has no relation at all to the Apostolic See apart from the fact that a local bishop is one of its “honorary presidents.” It is a cultural non-governmental organization operating under the umbrella of the state and local authorities in the town of Anania, Frosinone Province near Rome. It is the authorities who award this so called “Bonifaciana prize” which is national and international. John Paul II was not the founder of the prize but the first awardee,” explained the representatives of the Radio Vatican.