Dec 10, 2007 / 16:32 pm
A high ranking official in the Russian Orthodox Church described a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI this last Friday as "very positive," and said Catholics and Orthodox must work together to promote Christian values while continuing to work towards unity.
Metropolitan Kirill, the top prelate in charge of foreign relations for the Russian Orthodox Church, held a private discussion with the Pope this past Friday at the Vatican.
While no official comments were made by the Vatican on the talks, Kirill told “L'Osservatore Romano” that, the visit left him "with great sentiments of hope."
Relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and Catholic Church have been strained because of accusations against Catholics of proselytizing and disagreements over the ownership of church property seized during the Communist regime.