**Pope Leo Meets with Russian Orthodox Cleric to Discuss Ukraine War**
In a significant move, Pope Leo met with Metropolitan Anthony, the head of external church relations for the Russian Orthodox Church, on July 26. The meeting was seen as an attempt to ease tensions between the two churches, which have been strained due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
During the morning audience, Pope Leo received not only Metropolitan Anthony but also five other high-ranking clerics from the Russian Orthodox Church. This gathering marked a potential step towards healing the rift between the Catholic and Orthodox churches in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a statement following the meeting, the Russian Orthodox Church said that numerous issues were discussed, including the state of Orthodox-Catholic dialogue and conflicts in various parts of the world, such as Ukraine and the Middle East. This indicates a willingness from both sides to engage in dialogue and explore ways to address global crises together.
**A History of Tensions**
Since taking office in May, Pope Leo has consistently appealed for peace and an end to hostilities worldwide. In fact, this month alone, he expressed his willingness to host Russia-Ukraine peace talks at the Vatican. However, Russian officials have previously stated that they do not consider the Vatican a suitable venue due to its location within NATO member Italy.
Moreover, Patriarch Kirill, the head of Russia’s Orthodox Church, has been a strong supporter of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In June, during a call with Pope Leo and President Vladimir Putin, Russian officials urged the Vatican to take an active role in defending what they described as freedom of religion in Ukraine, specifically for the Moscow-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
**A Call for Dialogue**
The Vatican has emphasized its commitment to dialogue and religious freedom. However, Russia’s accusations against Ukraine of suppressing religious freedom due to its ban on the activities of the Moscow-linked church have created tension between the two countries. Ukraine has countered that the Moscow-linked church continues to maintain ties with Russia during the ongoing war.
This complex situation highlights the need for continued dialogue and understanding between nations and faith communities. The meeting between Pope Leo and Metropolitan Anthony marks a crucial step in this direction, underscoring the importance of addressing global conflicts through peaceful means.
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