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As the world continues to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, tributes are pouring in from leaders around the globe — including Russian President Vladimir Putin, who reflected on the significance of the pontiff’s life and legacy in a heartfelt message.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, a day steeped in spiritual meaning for Christians worldwide. For many in the Orthodox faith, including in Russia, there’s a long-held belief that those who pass away during Easter are blessed — a sign that their life had meaning and was filled with good deeds. President Putin echoed that sentiment in his remarks.
“Among Orthodox believers, it’s said that if someone passes on Easter, it’s a sign their life served a purpose,” Putin stated. “Pope Francis was a man of faith, dialogue, and peace — his legacy will not be forgotten.”
While Russia and the Vatican have long had complex relations, Putin acknowledged that Pope Francis worked diligently to bridge centuries-old divides between the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches. His leadership, the president noted, helped foster a climate of mutual respect and understanding.
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A key moment in that journey came in 2016 when Pope Francis met with Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church in Havana, Cuba. It was a landmark event — the first meeting between a pope and a Russian patriarch in nearly 1,000 years. The encounter marked a hopeful step forward in easing tensions that date back to the Great Schism of 1054, which split Christianity into Eastern and Western traditions.
Pope Francis, widely respected for his humility and advocacy for the poor, also used his platform to promote interfaith dialogue and environmental responsibility. His passing has left a void felt by believers and non-believers alike, many of whom saw him as a voice of moral clarity in a troubled world.
Putin’s tribute, though brief, struck a tone of sincere respect. It served as a reminder that even in times of division, shared values — such as compassion, dignity, and the pursuit of peace — can unite people across borders and beliefs.
