The Russian Orthodox Church said in a statement that Patriarch Kirill of Russia met with Pope Francis on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Ukraine.
“There was a thorough discussion of the situation in Ukraine.” The humanitarian aspects of the current crisis, as well as the actions of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church to address its consequences, received special attention.
“The parties emphasized the critical importance of the ongoing negotiation process, expressing their hope for the earliest possible achievement of a just peace,” according to the statement.
“Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill also discussed a number of bilateral cooperation issues,” according to the statement.
During the war, the Pope has made peace appeals, met with Moscow’s ambassador to the Vatican at the Russian embassy, and will hold an extraordinary prayer known as a “consecration” for Russia and Ukraine next week.
Last week, Patriarch Kirill stated that the conflict is an extension of a fundamental cultural clash between the Russian world and Western liberal values, as exemplified by displays of gay pride. According to experts, Kirill’s remarks provide important insights into Putin’s larger spiritual vision of a return to the Russian Empire, in which the Orthodox religion plays a key role.
“We must not let dark and hostile external forces laugh at us,” Kirill said in a speech three days after Russia invaded Ukraine. “We must do everything to maintain peace between our peoples while also protecting our common historical fatherland from all outside actions that can destroy this unity.”
