Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 8 greeted the election of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV in a release on the Presidential website. “I am certain that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican previously will continue to develop, drawing on the Christian values that unite us.” Putin said. “Your Holiness, I wish you success in carrying out the important mission entrusted to you, as well as good health and well-being.”
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, also greeted the election of the new Pope, expressing the hope that the relations between the two churches will continue. “You begin your ministry as Primate of the Roman Catholic Church at a special moment in history associated with a number of challenges facing the civilisation, as well as with certain signs of hope. In this context, the relationship between the Christian East and the Christian West acquires particular importance for the future of the world. It is my sincere hope that with your participation relations between our two Churches will be developing steadily, so that we could bear joint witness to Christ and reveal to humankind the imperishable beauty of life based on God’s commandments.”
Kirill also placed significance on the choice of Leo as his name, referring primarily to “St. Leo the Pope of Rome,” whom Kirill calls the “defender of the Christian community in Rome against the incursions of barbarians.” He goes on to wish that “This saint pleasing unto God … an upholder of the teaching on the fullness of our Lord Jesus Christ’s Divinity and humanity, building up unity in truth, is equally venerated by both Catholic and Orthodox Christians. May he inspire you in the demanding and responsible service ahead.”
The new Pope himself has, however, referred to Leo XIII, who made major breakthroughs in establishing the Church’s social doctrine, as the key reference for his choice of name, expressing to colleagues that the Church is also now in “an era of revolution.”
