Patriarch Kirill noted the efforts of Pope Francis to unite Christians

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expressed his condolences over the passing of Pope Francis. The text of the appeal was published on the website of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) on April 21.

"His Holiness's desire to show solidarity with the suffering and destitute was of particular importance to Christians all over the world," the Patriarch stressed.

He noted that the pontiff has made many efforts to unite Orthodox and Catholic Christians.

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Earlier in the day, the Russian Orthodox Church noted the extensive experience of cooperation with the Catholic Church during the pontificate of the late Pope. They noted that Francis has always been ready to discuss issues related to humanitarian cooperation and peacemaking.

Pope Francis died at the age of 89 at his residence in the Vatican's Santa Marta House on April 21. The last time he appeared in public was on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica during Easter celebrations the day before. The pontiff has been struggling with bilateral pneumonia for a long time.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a telegram of condolences on the occasion of the Pope's death. The Pontiff played an important role in the development of contacts between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church, the head of state emphasized.