Putin
Showed Wisdom by Not Inviting Pope of Rome to Russia
MOSCOW,
June 6 (Itar-Tass) - "Vladimir Putin displayed wisdom and caution by not inviting the Pope of Rome to
visit Russia. This step deserves full respect,"
Spokesman for the Moscow Patriarchy Clergyman Vsevolod Chaplin told Itar-Tass
on Tuesday.
In the
opinion of the Russian Orthodox Church, the president, who has every right to invite the Head of the Vatican
State to Moscow, has displayed "understanding
of the fact that this problem cannot be considered separately from state-ecclesiastic, and also inter-church
relations between Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church".
Putin Glad
with Intestate Russia-Vatican Relations
ROME, June
6 (Itar-Tass) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that interstate relations between
Moscow and the Vatican were developing successfully.
"As
soon as the churches come to agreement, we will do all that needs to be done from our side. We will provide all
kinds of assistance for dialogue," Putin told reporters.
The Russian
president said he was satisfied with his meeting with Pope John Paul II, which had been held in an
open manner.
Putin
Visits Famous Gothic Cathedrals in Milan
MILAN, June
6 (Itar-Tass) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Italy on Tuesday ended with a visit to an
elaborate Gothic cathedral in the splendid
Piazza del Duomo in Milan. The cathedral was begun in 1386 and the work was
continued through several centuries.
When Putin
came out of the Duomo cathedral, a young man approached him to shake hands. "Struggle
for Peace, Mr. President," the man said in Italian and hugged the Russian leader.
The Russian
Head of State also visited the Gothic Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie built by the Dominicans about
1460. Adjoining the church is the convent,
with fine cloisters by Bramante. In the former refectory Leonardo da Vinci
painted his celebrated "Last Supper" in 1495-1497. Putin proved to be
the first foreign leader to see the
painting after it had been restored.