Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) of Moscow, whom Pope Francis called Vladimir Putin's 'altar boy,' congratulated the Russian dictator on his birthday.
This was reported by the Telegram channel Christians Against War.
Kirill wished him “good health and longevity, God's generous help and blessed success in his further service to the people and the Fatherland.”
“It is gratifying to witness that thanks to your efforts and the coordinated work of all branches of government, the country is implementing a value-based policy, the fruits of which are social harmony and solidarity, the growth of civic responsibility and initiative aimed at helping the participants of the special military operation who are defending Russia's freedom and independence with courage and heroism,” he said.