WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge visited the Georgian Patriarchate

Dr. Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization’s Regional Director for Europe and a candidate for the position of WHO Director-General, visited the Georgian Patriarchate in Tbilisi on Friday, October 30, 2026. During the official visit, which was part of his election campaign, the parties discussed a strategic vision for the development of global public health.

According to the Orthodox Times, the meeting was attended by high-ranking representatives of the Georgian Orthodox Church, including Bishop Grigol (Katsia) of Tsalka, the secretary to the Catholicos-Patriarch, Archpriest Mikhail Botkoveli, and the head of the Patriarchate’s public relations office, Archpriest Andria Dzhamaidze.

During the discussion, Dr. Kluge presented his initiatives and priorities, which form the basis of his election platform. The clergy representatives thanked the WHO official for his visit and expressed their hope for his success in the upcoming election for the organization’s top post.

It should be recalled that earlier, representatives of the Georgian Orthodox Church issued a high-profile statement accusing the European Union leadership of exerting pressure regarding the promotion of same-sex marriage in the country. According to church leaders, European diplomats openly asked the clergy to help promote the LGBT agenda among the population.