Russia, Holy See may soon establish diplomatic relations

July 15, 2009

Russia may soon establish diplomatic relations with the Holy See, according to Father Igor Kovalevsky, secretary general of the Russian bishops' conference. Father Kovalevsky told Catholic journalist Jonathan Luxmoore that “a full relationship will clearly facilitate links at a time when both the Holy See and Russian Federation share common views on many international questions.” Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said recently that Vatican and Russian negotiators were meeting to discuss the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Father Kovalevsky added that relations with the Russian Orthodox Church were improving under Patriarch Kirill, who was enthroned on February 1.

 

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Further information:

• Russian Catholic official says conditions improve for church (CNS)
• Bilateral and Multilateral Relationsof the Holy See (Holy See Press Office)