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
UOC's Social Department reports on aid provided during 1000 days of war
Millions of hryvnias in financial aid and hundreds of tons of humanitarian assistance were provided during this period.
On 1000th day of war, UOC opens exhibition dedicated to Church's mission
Before the exhibition's opening, a memorial service was held for those who perished and died during the war, as well as a prayer service for AFU soldiers and for Ukraine.
Zelensky on the Church: The era of those who sanctify terror is over
The President stated that in Ukraine, there is dialogue between the state and all religious communities.
Satanic show to be held in Prague as a counter to St. Nicholas feast
Terrifying creatures will scare children instead of giving them gifts.
Papal Nuncio in Kyiv: War is from the devil, it makes no sense
Visvaldas Kulbokas believes the Church's mission is to call for the urgent need to end the war.