Pope cancels meeting with ROC Primate: "Now is not the time"
Pope Francis has announced that his meeting with Patriarch Kirill, scheduled for June, will not take place, reports the Argentine newspaper La Nacion.
"I regret that the Vatican had to cancel the meeting with Patriarch Kirill that we had planned for June in Jerusalem. But our diplomacy understands that a meeting at that time could lead to great confusion," Francis said, stressing that he has always advocated interreligious dialogue.
The pontiff also explained why he did not go to Kyiv.
"I cannot do anything that jeopardises the higher goals, which are the end of the war, the truce or at least the organisation of humanitarian corridors. What good does a trip to Kyiv do to the Pope if the war continues the next day?" he asked.
At the same time, the Pope described his relations with the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church as "very good".
As reported, President Zelensky asked the Pope to mediate in negotiations with Russia.
Read also
In Odesa region, Jehovah's Witness sentenced to three years for draft evasion
A resident of the Odesa region who practices the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses received a real prison sentence due to his refusal to perform military service based on his convictions.
Metropolitan Theodosiy explains why persecutions benefit the Church
The bishop called not to justify evil but to see in trials an opportunity to achieve humility and love – the goals of Christian life.
Court finds Metropolitan Theodosiy guilty
The court found Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy guilty of inciting inter-religious hatred.
Foreign Minister congratulates Dumenko and presents him with valuable watch
Dumenko discussed with the Foreign Minister the role of the OCU during wartime and the significance of the Tomos of Autocephaly.
Kherson Holy Spirit Cathedral of UOC shelled again
Shells damaged the church roof, the bell tower and the chapel. The eparchial administration buildings also suffered from shelling.
Greek authorities to close illegal mosques in Athens
A large-scale inspection of religious sites has begun in Athens, during which authorities intend to close around 60 mosques operating without permits