Benedict XVI is ready to overcome difficulties in Orthodox Catholic relations

The Pope Benedict XVI is ready to overcome difficulties in Orthodox-Catholic relations, said RIA Novosti in the department of external church relations of the Moscow Patriarchate (MPC MP), commenting on the eve of the Metropolitan of Smolensky and Kaliningrad Kirill with the head of the Roman Catholic Church on the eve of the MP .

"The importance of overcoming the difficulties that exist in relations between the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches was emphasized," the MP MP noted. During a conversation with Metropolitan, Pontiff "expressed an agreement that there is a need for two churches to develop cooperation, defending the common Christian values ​​in the life of modern Europe," said the representative of the Association.

Metropolitan Cyril headed the official delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church at the intronization ceremony of Benedict XVI. The meeting on the eve was the first meeting of the new pope with the representative of the Russian Orthodox Church.

According to the representative of the department of external church relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, the Pope, in an interview with Metropolitan Kirill, "especially noted the importance of the theological and liturgical tradition of the Orthodox East and expressed his respect for the mission and pastoral service of the Russian Orthodox Church."

During the reception of the new ponfitics of delegations of local Orthodox churches in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican, Metropolitan Kirill handed over the congratulations and greetings of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Alexy II. Archbishop of Pereyaslav-Khmelnitsky Mitrofan, managing the affairs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate , welcomed Benedict XVI on the face of Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine Vladimir .

Benedict XVI, in turn, handed over return fraternal greetings to Patriarch Alexy II. The Moscow Patriarchate believes that Pope Benedict XVI is capable of a substantial dialogue with the Orthodox Church.

"Papa Benedict XVI is a wise and strong man, an intellectual of the highest sample. This is a person responsible and capable of a substantial dialogue with the Orthodox Church. And we hope that this dialogue will develop with a new pontiff," RIA Novosti said Deputy Chairman of the MPC MP Vsevolod Chaplin. “The present time is a time of hopes, when the relationship between the two churches begin in many ways, and this time makes it possible to significantly improve Orthodox Catholic relations,” said the representative of the Moscow Patriarchate.

According to him, relations between the churches can be raised to a higher level, "if steps will be taken to help restore trust."

"We are grateful to the Vatican for the statement that the Roman Catholic Church does not intend to conduct missionary activities among the Orthodox," Chaplin said.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church Benedict XVI at the meeting on the eve of the religious delegations that came to Rome to intronize the new pontiff, said that the Catholic Church intends to continue the dialogue with other religions. "The Catholic Church intends to continue to bring bridges with other religions," the pontiff said. “From the first days of my pontificate, I who believe in religious traditions and with all my heart seek the truth, I appeal with a hot call to become creators of the world in order to achieve mutual understanding, respect and love,” said Benedict XVI.