Advisor: ROC is open to a new meeting between Patriarch Kirill and the Pope
Meeting of Patriarch Kirill and Pope Francis. Photo: NPR
Advisor to Patriarch Kirill, Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, told RIA Novosti that the Russian Orthodox Church is open to a new meeting between the Primate and Pope Francis.
“Of course, such a meeting must be properly prepared to be effective. We have and maintain established channels for such interaction, carried out by the Russian Orthodox Church through the Department for External Church Relations. As far as I understand, at present, proactive steps for possible consideration should be expected from the Vatican side,” Balashov said.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Russian Ambassador to the Vatican “sent greetings” to the Pope from Patriarch Kirill.
Read also
Archons to Honor Mike Pompeo with Athenagoras Human Rights Award
The award will be presented on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's annual banquet in New York City.
Pro-Life Activist Jailed for Silent Prayer Appeals to Supreme Court
Minnesota man challenges ordinance criminalizing “annoyance” in public spaces.
In Africa, Islamists Kill Around 22,000 People in One Year, Mostly Christians
A study was conducted in the wake of an attack on Christians in a church in the city of Komanda in eastern Congo.
Orthodox Diocese of Alaska to Hold Week of Prayer for U.S. – Russia Talks
Faithful invited to intercede for peace as leaders meet in Alaska.
Alexandrian Bishop Condemns Pat. Bartholomew’s ‘Common Sacred Worldview’
Met. Panteleimon of Antinoes also condemned Constantinople and Alexandria's recognition of the schismatic Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
Ukrainian Government Reports Seizure of 37 UOC Churches: 'Not as Many as We Would Like'
“Perhaps these transitions are not as numerous as we would like, but this is already a matter for the religious communities,” a government spokesman said.