Russian Orthodox bishop thanks Francis for his "support of the Ukrainian people"

LISBON – During a meeting with interreligious leaders on Friday morning in Lisbon, Pope Francis spoke to a Russian Orthodox bishop who voiced regret for the Russian invasion of Ukraine and thanked the pontiff for his repeated efforts and words on behalf of the Ukrainian people.

Fr Peter Stilwell, director of the Portuguese bishops’ Department of Ecumenical Relations and Interreligious Dialogue, told journalists after the meeting that he was standing behind the Russian Orthodox bishop, who he said is an auxiliary bishop for the Russian Orthodox diocese of Paris, as they were in line greeting the pontiff.