The Russian Foreign Ministry expects to continue dialogue with the Vatican with the election of a new pope.

Russia hopes that with the election of the new Pope Leo XIV, the dialogue between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop. This was announced on May 9 by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova.

"We hope that with the election of Pope Leo XIV as head of the Roman Catholic Church, the progressive development of the Russian-Vatican dialogue will continue on the basis of equality and mutual respect," Zakharova said.

She also added that relations between the Russian Federation and the Holy See are characterized by mutual respect. In addition, Moscow greatly appreciates constructive cooperation with the Vatican in resolving a number of humanitarian issues related to the crisis in Ukraine.

The High Priest from across the sea: an American has become the new Pope

Robert Francis Prevost took the name Leo XIV.

Cardinal Robert Prevost from the United States was elected the new pope on May 8. He is the first American cardinal with Latin American roots, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, representative of the Augustinian Order. As pontiff, he took the name Leo XIV.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated the new pope on his election. He also wished success in fulfilling his "lofty mission, as well as good health and well-being."