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Pope did not allow his court to set him against Russian Orthodox Church — Patriarch Kirill

He noted that Pope Francis’ attitude towards Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church will not be forgotten

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia said that Pope Francis’s entourage tried to turn him against the Russian Orthodox Church, but, staying true to his convictions, he could not be swayed.

"He was a man of strong views and beliefs, although he was under a lot of pressure, including attempts to cool relations with the Russian Church. Now that he has passed into the next world, I can safely quote him without asking his blessing. When he was pushed very hard, forgive my bluntness, he said curtly: ‘Don't set me against Kirill,’ turned around and left," Patriarch Kirill told Russian President Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Porfiry of Serbia.

He noted that Pope Francis’ attitude towards Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church will not be forgotten. "Now the Lord has called him to another world, but we will remember fondly his attitude towards Russia and the Russian Church," he said.

Pope Francis, who has headed the Roman Catholic Church since 2013, died on April 21 at the age of 88 from a stroke that triggered coma and cardiac arrest. His view should take place in St. Peter's Cathedral. Pope Francis bequeathed to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The funeral will take place on April 26. In Argentina, his birthplace, a week of mourning was declared.

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