VATICAN CORNER
The number 2 man at the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, is preparing for a trip to Russia in late August, 2017. Parolin explained that “I go to Russia as a collaborator to the Pope …who wishes to build bridges in order to increase the ability to comprehend each other, understand each other, and dialogue in the world.” Parolin is expected to meet with President Vladimir Putin and leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church during the trip. The 20th century history of Catholic Church in Russia is a sad one. Before the Revolution of 1917, there were about a half a million Catholics in 150 parishes. However, during the 70 year of Soviet control, (1917 -1987) many Catholics were persecuted, sent to prison for their faith or killed. By the 1930s there were only two functioning Catholic churches left. The Russian Orthodox Church suffered a similar tragic history, starting with 55,000 churches until only a few hundred were left. But since the dissolution of the Soviet Union the Russian Orthodox Church has seen a resurgence in activity. In 2006 they had 27,000 parishes and many old church buildings have been returned, but most in deteriorated condition. There have been difficulties between the two churches in Russia, especially since 2002 when Pope John Paul II created a Catholic diocesan structure for Russian territory. The Russian Orthodox Church saw that action as an attempt to convert their faithful to Roman Catholics, who they consider just an equal Christian organization, and not a central authority. The Catholic Church, on the other hand, while acknowledging the primacy of the Russian Orthodox Church in Russia, believes that the small Catholic minority in Russia, in continuous existence since at least the 18th century, should be served by a fully developed church hierarchy with a presence and status in Russia. Lately Vatican relations with Russia and the Orthodox Church have improved. In 2009, the Vatican and Russia agreed to full diplomatic relations. Then in Havana, Cuba in 2015 the leaders of the Orthodox Church and the Pope met for the first time in 1,000 years. In order to pave the way for Parolin’s planned visit, in May 2017, the relics of St. Nicolas, a saint profoundly loved and venerated by Orthodox Christians in Russia, were sent from the Italy to Moscow and were visited by more than a million people, including Putin himself. There are many issues that may be discussed between the Vatican, the Orthodox Church and Russia, including the conflict in Syria and the Ukraine, immigration and the environment. But dialogue is what Francis wants. If Parolin’s trip turns out to be successful, then the possibility that Pope Francis may himself visit Moscow could becoming a reality. The Pope’s interest in Russia brings to mind the second secret reveled by our Lady of Fátima, a devotion of which Francis is strongly attached. The three Portuguese children of Fátima were entrusted with three secrets by the Virgin Mary. The second secret stated that another war would be coming should men continue offending God and should Russia not convert. The Virgin Mary requested that Russia be consecrated to her Immaculate Heart. At this point in history, does Pope Francis see Russia as fertile ground for the growth of Christianity, and possibly the fulfillment of prophecy?
Sources: cruxnow.com, [email protected], cnn.com