Tensions rise as Patriarch Kirill takes offense at Pope’s ‘tone’

The Russian Patriarchate criticizes the "tone" attributed to Pope Francis in an interview published by an Italian newspaper on May 3.

The Patriarchate of Moscow regrets the “incorrect tone” used by Pope Francis in his interview with Corriere della Sera on May 3, 2022. In a statement issued on May 4, the Moscow Patriarchate says the Pontiff’s statements are “not likely to contribute to the establishment of a constructive dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church, which is particularly necessary at this time.”

The interview with the Italian daily was in fact not presented as a q-and-a, but as the journalist’s account of a conversation with the Pontiff. Some sharp statements were attributed to the Pope.