Pope Francis mourned worldwide; Putin highlights dialogue's role
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at 2:35 AM Eastern Time. Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences, emphasizing the significance of dialogue between Churches. What was the relationship between the pope and the president of Russia?
What do you need to know?
- Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at 2:35 AM Eastern Time. Vladimir Putin extended condolences to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
- The president of Russia emphasized the importance of dialogue between the Churches. He noted that Pope Francis promoted the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
- The Russian Orthodox Church expressed hope for continued cooperation. The Moscow Patriarchate issued a statement expressing hope that ties with the Catholic Church will strengthen.
What was the relationship between the pope and Putin?
In his statement, Vladimir Putin highlighted that he had the "privilege of communicating with this extraordinary man many times." He emphasized, "He will always remember him most warmly."
The Kremlin recalled that the two leaders met several times and treated each other with great respect. "Please accept my sincerest condolences on the death of His Holiness Pope Francis," Putin conveyed in a message to Cardinal Farrell.
What are the hopes for the future?
The Russian Orthodox Church expressed hope that cooperation with the Catholic Church will continue to develop as it has so far. Vladimir Putin emphasized that Pope Francis had promoted constructive cooperation between Russia and the Holy See over the years. "In this sad hour, I extend expressions of sympathy and support to the Catholic clergy," added the President of Russia.
