Will the relationship between the Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church change with the election of a new Pope? The response from the Ambassador of Ukraine.

The new pope and diplomatic efforts between the Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church

The Ambassador of Ukraine to the Holy See, Andriy Yurash, in his latest statement indicated that it is too early to talk about possible changes in the relations between the Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church after the election of a new Pope. The relations between these two entities will be determined by the Conclave's decision and the political context.

We need to see who will be elected as pope. Each person has their own views, and there is also a certain diplomatic tradition... Russia is a state that has developed its relations with the Holy See for centuries...

The diplomat also noted that since the 1960s, an active dialogue has begun between the Vatican and the Soviet Union. This dialogue has its consequences and primarily a principled approach.

Pope Francis canceled a meeting with Patriarch Kirill, which was supposed to take place in June 2022 in Jerusalem. The Pope called him Putin's altar boy, after which the level of relations between Moscow and the Vatican significantly decreased, Yurash said.

Recently, the dialogue between the Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church continues at a working level, but diplomacy will support Ukraine. Cardinal Zuppi has already supported Ukraine and directed assistance to the Russian side in the form of lists of Ukrainian citizens.

In this complex situation, it is important to maintain the possibility of dialogue for further cooperation and resolution of the problems arising between states and churches, to support peace and coexistence in the world.