Is religion the new dividing line between Russia and the west?

it did not criticize neither Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, in support of Putin’s occupation. However, two weeks ago, the Pope of Argentine descent spoke an uncompromising languagete against the war. Francesco said the atrocities in Ukraine, attributed to Russian forces, nor recall the genocide of Ruandës sof the 1990s.

As well he warned Cyril not to turn into The priest personal te Putin”. These comments brought the harsh reactioner te Patriarchanesse Moscow, qe just how much underlineoi the fact that Putin’s war ne Ukrainee, there are excretee ne perspective differencest and strong between the Roman Catholic Church and the official Russian branch of Krejuvenation Oorthodox.

how OTHERWISE looked at things in 2016, when the Pope and Cyrilof held talks and hugged each other in the Cuban capital, Havanae. it it was a truly historic meeting, the first among the leaders of the Catholic and Russian Orthodox institutions, since the creation of PMoscow Patriarchate in YEAR 1589.

But now Francesco has given up a second meeting with Cyril, that was planned for neJUNE in Jerusalem. Ndarja midis 2 leaders spiritual, not could have been more big bigger than that. What does this tell us ABOUT the way the war is eperzien also RELIGION ne geopolitical rivalry Russianof–Perëndim?

Se firstshould not surprise us nothing the fact that the Russian Orthodox Church – with the exception of a few very brave priests of ranktions lowor – it’s e pozofstrongly tioned IN krah te Putinit. As in other Orthodox countries, religious belief in Russia has deep historical ties to national identity and state authority.

But alement of second most importantem, is that under leadership of Kirilit.hierarchy e Kformer ORTHODOX is taking anewe Putin, and is arguing that Russia is e protects Krejuvenation Oorthodox on ae Pinfidel and degenerate obesity. This is more than how a simple propaganda. For Cyril, it it is a sacred cause.

For Putin, it is a political projectfrom which according to him will powerohet long orthodox traditionduke nurture a patriotic citizen AND obedient. In an article about UswStatesmanRouan Uilliams, Archbishop i Kanterbenewt ne Angli ne years 2002– 2012, wrotenderte others:”Vladimir Putin sees himself as the protagonist in a battle for the survival of an integral Christian culture, as Islamic State, sees itself as a defender of Islamic cultural purity”.

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, did it kete clear DURINGe an extraordinary sermon held on March 6, the day before the start of Orthodox Lent. orie considered the campaign Russian military ne Ukrainee as a struggle to defend orthodox civilization against moral degradation western, where gay marches ne pathe, were separated as ae from symptomstmain.

Ne his attitude, Cyril inspiration from some famous Russians from across the spectrum of Tsarist and Soviet history. Pyourser Tolstoofgreat-grandson of Lev Tolstoy, author of romanit te forMHem “War and peace” (and a pacifist i firee in his later life), stated në an interview for ae newspaper Italian sof Russia should tor “de-nazifigse completely Ukraine”, and not e stop the war until its armed forces Russiane have reached the border with Polande.

Then there is VjorWhatesllav Nikonov, nephew of VjorWhatesllby Molotov, Ministrit of Exterior ne timeeand Josoff Stalin, and a man with much blood on his long hands cleansings te medha neSoviet Union duringe 1930s. “it qe we are developinge it’s ne fact a holy warand we must tor win Fr.e”- eise EXPRESS timeethe last Nikonov.

This is the type of hyperbole, with which we are accustomed in the era of Vladimir Putinit. However, tensions caused by religion between Russia and Paggravation are real. On Friday, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Ssecretary i Shtetit of Vatican, tha se arms supplies te forewest you for self-defensen e Ukraine, Januarye justifiable even according to doctrines se Church for one “just war”, an argument this that surely will badly expected in the Kremlin. / FT – Bota.al

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