ROC DECR Chairman informs Pope of persecution against UOC

Metropolitan Antoniy and the Pope. Photo: mospat.ru

On July 26, in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, a meeting took place between Metropolitan Antoniy of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations (DECR) of the Moscow Patriarchate, and Pope Leo XIV.

During the meeting, Metropolitan Anthony conveyed greetings to the Pontiff on behalf of Patriarch Kirill, congratulating him on his election as head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV thanked Patriarch Kirill and emphasized the importance of developing relations with the Russian Orthodox Church.

The conversation touched on many issues concerning the state of Orthodox-Catholic dialogue, as well as current global conflicts – including those in Ukraine and the Middle East.

In particular, Metropolitan Antoniy informed Pope Leo XIV about the persecution currently being faced by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

As previously reported by the UOJ, the Pope was expected to meet with the head of the ROC DECR.

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