Metropolitan Antony of Volokolamsk meets with Pope Leo XIV

DECR Communication service, 26.07.2025

On July 26, 2025, a meeting took place at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican between Metropolitan Antony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, and Pope Leo XIV.

During the meeting, Metropolitan Antony conveyed greetings from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' and congratulations on Pope Leo XIV’s election as the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to Patriarch Kirill for his good wishes and emphasized the importance of strengthening relations with the Russian Orthodox Church.

The discussion touched on numerous issues, including the state of Orthodox-Catholic dialogue and ongoing global conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East.

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

At the conclusion of the meeting, the participants exchanged commemorative gifts.

Photos: Vatican Press Office

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Metropolitan Antony of Volokolamsk meets with Pope Leo XIV

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons