Orthodox in Moscow Still Frown On Papal Visit

MOSCOW, FEB. 16, 2001 (Zenit.org).- The Orthodox Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russias has not changed its mind: The Pope´s visit to Moscow, as well as his "apostolic mission" to Ukraine this June are regarded as inopportune.

This was the judgment of Metropolitan Kiril, No. 2 in the patriarchate, who said in a statement, "The Pope´s visit to Moscow and a meeting with Patriarch Alexis II must be a historic event, but conditions are not suitable at present for this to take place."