More recently, Kirill has said Russian soldiers who die while fighting in Ukraine have all of their sins forgiven, comparing their deaths to Jesus’ sacrifice. The remarks, delivered as part of a Sunday sermon in September, came days after Russian President Vladimir Putin called for a “partial mobilization” of military reservists in Russia after the country’s military suffered a spate of defeats in Ukraine. A few days later, Russia illegally annexed four provinces in eastern Ukraine.
Faith leaders the world over have criticized Kirill’s rhetoric, including Pope Francis. An expected in-person meeting between the global faith leaders in August fell apart when the patriarch canceled his travel plans, but the two met virtually earlier this year, when the pontiff warned against spiritual justifications for war.
“Once upon a time there was also talk in our churches of holy war or just war,” Francis told Kirill, according to the Vatican press office. “Today we cannot speak like this.”
Despite this, the account of Kirill’s conversation with Sauca posted to the patriarch’s website claimed Kirill “seemed not to be aware” of criticism lodged at him regarding his rhetoric, prompting members of his delegation to blame others of attempting to “engineer accusations against the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.”
This article originally appeared on ReligionNews.com.
