MOSCOW, Russia - The head of the Russian Orthodox Church has repeated his fierce opposition to a visit to Russia by Pope John Paul, citing Roman Catholic activity in the region. He said he wouldn't meet the pope if he decides to come.
Patriarch Alexy II said ``the Vatican continues to proselytize on the territories of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, trying to convert people christened as Orthodox or rooted in Orthodoxy,'' ITAR-Tass reported last week.
Just before, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would invite John Paul ``any minute'' as head of state but the pope himself wants better relations with Russian Orthodoxy before a visit occurs.
``Regrettably, that doesn't depend on me,'' Putin said.