'This is Kirill’s attempt to restore relations with the Vatican,' Archimandrite Cyril Hovorun comments on ROC representative's visit to Pope
He expressed this opinion in an interview with a Belarusian television channel Vot Tak.
According to Fr. Hovorun, despite official statements (including criticism of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine), the true intentions behind the visit were different and focused solely on Moscow's interests.
“What the media is reporting is merely information noise. The real message is Kirill's attempt to rebuild relations with the Vatican, which were damaged after Pope Francis referred to him as ‘Putin's servant,’” said Fr. Cyril.
The theologian believes that the purpose of this diplomatic gesture is to demonstrate to Vladimir Putin Kirill's capability to establish international relations. “This is a continuation of the struggle for influence between Kirill and Putin,” emphasized Hovorun.
He also does not discount the possibility that there is another motive behind the visit — an attempt to influence Pope Leo XIV, particularly on strategic issues important to Russia, especially in the Global South, where the Catholic Church and Pope Leo have significant authority.
In general, Cyril Hovorun expressed concern regarding the meeting between Metropolitan Anthony of the Russian Orthodox Church and Pope Leo XIV.
He noted that such a gesture could suggest a potential weakening of the Vatican's clear pro-Ukrainian stance.
“Pope Francis has sometimes used rhetoric that appeared ambiguous, especially regarding the war in Ukraine. However, Pope Leo has consistently shown support for Ukraine. His statements have been balanced and pro-Ukrainian,” said Fr. Hovorun.
However, according to the theologian, the very fact of meeting with a representative of the Moscow Patriarchate could compromise that clear position.
"The Kremlin does not agree with the idea that the Holy See should act as a mediator in negotiations, particularly because of its strong support for Ukraine. Any contact between the Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church is a potential attempt by the Kremlin to alter this situation," said Fr. Hovorun.
He stressed that the Kremlin is attempting to use religious diplomacy to further its geopolitical interests.
