Does the relationship between the Vatican and Russian Orthodox Church affect the relationship of Vatican and Russia?
–The relationship between the Vatican and Russian Orthodox Church and between the Vatican and Russia are developing in parallel courses: each has its own way, but they can’t ignore each other, even if they are in proper proportion. However, it is clear that in the relationship between Vatican and Russian government it is impossible to leave without attention to the present and the past of the Russian people. The spiritual face of the people is defined by the presence of the Russian Orthodox Church, which the Roman Catholic Church considers and respects as the sister-church. –During the negotiations with the representative of the Russian government did you discuss any relationship between Vatican and Moscow Patriarchate? –The subject of my conversation with His Excellency Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov and Chairman of Duma Committee for Foreign Relations Konstantin Kosachev was the relationship between the Vatican and Russian government, as well as the possibility to widen
