New Russian Orthodox patriarch elected

January 28, 2009

Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, who had been the chief representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in ecumenical affairs, has been elected the 16th Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. The prelate had served as locum tenens, or temporary head, of the Russian Orthodox Church since the death of Patriarch Aleksei II in December.

The election of Patriarch Kirill-- in a process relatively free from the political manipulation that marked patriarchal elections during the Communist era-- marks a watershed for the Russian Orthodox Church and raises the prospects of significant progress in relations between Moscow and Rome. The new Patriarch has indicated a willingness to approve a papal visit to Russia-- although in remarks just prior to his election he stressed that the visit could not take place until current tensions are resolved.

Pope Benedict XVI welcomed the Russian leader's election, promising his prayerful support and cooperation and assuring him of "the Catholic Church's commitment to cooperate with the Russian Orthodox Church for an ever clearer witness of the truth of the Christian message."

 

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Further information:

• Metropolitan Kirill elected Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia (Interfax)
• Interview with Metropolitan Kirill on the eve of the patriarchal election (Interfax)
• Happiness of Pope at election of new Russian Patriarch (VIS)
• Breaking News -- Kirill Elected New Russian Orthodox Patriarch (Inside the Vatican)
• Metropolitan Kirill is the new Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia (AsiaNews)