Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia Meets with French Diplomat Jean-Christophe Possel

Pat. Porfirije and Jean-Christophe Possel. [CREDIT: https://spc.rs ]

BELGRADE — On June 17, 2025, His Holiness Porfirije, Patriarch of Serbia, met with French diplomat and expert on religious affairs Jean-Christophe Possel at the Patriarchal Palace. The meeting centered on the challenges facing the Serbian Orthodox Church, particularly in Kosovo and Metohija, where basic human and religious rights of the Serbian people continue to be seriously endangered.

Patriarch Porfirije stressed that the authorities in Priština have shown no willingness for meaningful dialogue, a stance that endangers the fragile peace in the region. He reaffirmed that peace remains a fundamental priority for the Serbian Orthodox Church—not only in Kosovo and Metohija but across the broader Balkans and the world.

Mr. Possel shared his intention to visit Kosovo and Metohija following his stay in Belgrade, including a stop at the historic Visoki Dečani Monastery and meetings with representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Patriarch Porfirije welcomed the visit, underlining the essential role of international presence in forming an accurate picture of conditions on the ground and supporting stability in the region.

Also attending the meeting were French Ambassador Pierre Cochard and other diplomatic staff, along with Bishop Ilarion of Novo Brdo, senior clergy from the Patriarch’s office, and editorial leadership from Pravoslavlje, the official publication of the Serbian Patriarchate.

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