Vatican official, Russian Orthodox patriarch pledge to work together

Published: 2004-11-19

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- French Cardinal Paul Poupard and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II met in Moscow Nov. 17 and pledged to work together to support programs emphasizing the contributions Christianity has made to European culture. The cardinal, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, was in Moscow for the Nov. 19 inauguration of the "Library of the Spirit," a joint Orthodox-Catholic research center where scholars can reflect together and work together to promote Christian thought. A telegram from Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, was read at the inauguration ceremony, which also was attended by Russian Orthodox Metropolitan Filaret of Minsk and Slutsk, president of the Russian Orthodox synod's theological commission. The pope "expresses his deep appreciation for this provident initiative aimed at spreading the Gospel and the teachings of the apostolic tradition through appropriate cultural activities," the telegram said.

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