Patriarch Kirill Meets with Cuban and Venezuelan Presidents in Moscow

DECR & OCP News Service – 10/05/2025

Moscow- Russia: His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia held separate meetings with President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez of Cuba and President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela at the Danilov Monastery in Moscow on May 8, 2025, emphasizing the strong historical and contemporary ties between Russia and these Latin American nations.

Meeting with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez:

Patriarch Kirill warmly welcomed President Díaz-Canel, highlighting the longstanding friendly relations between Russia and Cuba. He recalled his past interactions with Cuban leaders, including Fidel Castro, and expressed gratitude for the Cuban government’s support in establishing the Russian Orthodox Church of Our Lady of Kazan in Havana. The Patriarch noted the church’s role in fostering cultural exchange and unity between the two peoples.

President Díaz-Canel, in turn, acknowledged the significance of the 65th anniversary of restored diplomatic relations between Russia and Cuba, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. He emphasized the importance of preserving historical truth and combating attempts to diminish the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazism. He praised the active role of the Orthodox community in Cuba and the Kazan Church’s contribution to promoting Russian culture.

The leaders also discussed the 2016 meeting between Patriarch Kirill and Pope Francis in Havana, recognizing Cuba’s unique role in facilitating inter-Christian dialogue.

Meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro:

Later, Patriarch Kirill met with President Nicolás Maduro, recalling their previous meeting in Caracas in 2008 and paying tribute to the late Hugo Chávez. He acknowledged Venezuela’s early support for the Soviet Union during World War II and noted the shared experience of both nations in facing external pressures.

Patriarch Kirill emphasized the importance of national unity and justice in the face of external aggression, highlighting the Russian Orthodox Church’s role in promoting these values. He expressed gratitude for the favorable conditions provided to the Russian-speaking community in Venezuela.

President Maduro praised Russia’s role as a world power and its commitment to equality and respect in international relations. He expressed solidarity with Russia in the current geopolitical climate and emphasized the importance of honoring the Soviet Union’s sacrifices in defeating Nazism.

Both meetings underscored the enduring friendship and cooperation between Russia and Cuba and Venezuela, respectively, with discussions covering cultural exchange, religious freedom, and shared perspectives on international affairs.

Source:

OCP News Service