Department for External Church Relations
The site uses cookies to help show you the most up-to-date information. By continuing to use the site, you consent to the use of your Metadata and cookies. Cookie policy
Metropolitan Hilarion: the Orthodox Christians and Catholics should interact to improve the situation of Christians in the Middle East
The results of his latest meeting with Pope Francis of Rome, which took place on December 22, were related by the DECR chairman on the air of the Church and the World TV program. Answering the question of the program hostess about whether it was worth-while to expect another meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill, the DECR head answered, “Preparation to such a meeting are being carried out. When all the details concerning the date and the venue of the meeting are coordinated, we will make an announcement about it. So far, it is too soon to announce it”.
The first in history meeting of the two Primates of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church took place five years ago, in February 2016.
“That meeting lasted over two hours”, Metropolitan Hilarion said, “I think, it really was a fraternal fellowship but no mention whatsoever was made of rapprochement or unification. Many suspect that some secret negotiations are held. No secret negotiations are held, no unification is planned. But it is manifestly obvious that the two major Christian Churches should cooperate”.
However, according to the DECR chairman, the meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill in Havana was focused on the situation of Christians in the Middle East. “This situation, regrettably, remains very grave. On the whole, in a number of countries in the Middle East, Christianity has not just been in decline but has actually ceased to exist - it is a tragic situation for millions of Christian. Joint efforts of the two major Christian Churches to relieve the situation are an imperative of the time”. Metropolitan Hilarion stressed.
DECR Communication Service
Patriarch
Department Chairman
18.05.2022
24.04.2022
13.05.2022
13.05.2022
11.05.2022
10.05.2022
09.05.2022