Vatican opposes sanctions against Patriarch Kirill – media report

Patriarch Kirill. Photo: ROC press service

The Vatican has opposed the inclusion of Patriarch Kirill in the European Union’s 21st sanctions package against Russia, according to Politico.

According to the publication’s sources, “Italy joined Bulgaria in expressing concern over plans to sanction the head of the Russian Orthodox Church.” One diplomat said that Rome’s reservations stem from the Vatican.

On June 9, 2026, it became known that Patriarch Kirill had been added to the draft 21st EU sanctions package. The proposed measures include freezing his assets within the European Union and banning him from entering EU countries. The package is scheduled for adoption on July 15, 2026, and requires unanimous approval by all EU member states.

The Patriarch’s inclusion became possible after a change in Hungary’s position. The new government led by Péter Magyar backed the initiative, whereas in 2022 the government of Viktor Orbán blocked a similar move.

Italy and Bulgaria have voiced opposition to the sanctions. Rome expressed concern about the precedent of imposing restrictive measures on the leader of a Christian Church. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated: “The era of the Crusades is over,” questioning the appropriateness of such measures in the religious sphere.

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova described the sanctions as “symbolic” and “counterproductive,” arguing that they “create an environment for anti-European propaganda based on claims of European interference in Church affairs.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Bulgaria had blocked sanctions against Patriarch Kirill.

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