The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo met with Metropolitan Anthony, a senior Russian Orthodox Church cleric, along with five other high-profile religious leaders, during a morning audience on July 26. This meeting marks a significant diplomatic effort to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has been a major international concern for several years. The discussion is expected to cover various aspects of the war, including humanitarian aid, religious freedom, and the role of faith-based organizations in peacebuilding.
Metropolitan Anthony, who serves as the head of the Russian Orthodox Church’s Department of External Church Relations, is known for his diplomatic role in international religious affairs. His presence at the meeting underscores the Vatican’s interest in engaging with Russian religious leaders on the issue of Ukraine. The meeting is seen as a step towards fostering dialogue between different religious groups and promoting a cessation of hostilities in the region. Further details on the discussion topics are expected to be released in the coming days.