Historic Meeting: Metropolitan Anthony to Meet Pope Leo Amidst Tensions

Metropolitan Anthony, a senior figure within the Russian Orthodox Church, is scheduled for a significant meeting with Pope Leo this Saturday, according to state news agency RIA.

The meeting, reported to be taking place in the Vatican, underscores the strained relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Vatican, largely due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Metropolitan Anthony holds the pivotal role of chairman of the church's department of external church relations, making this interaction a crucial diplomatic encounter.

(With inputs from agencies.)