As the Russian Patriarch pointed out in a message to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, John Paul II's papacy defined a whole era in the life of the Roman Catholic Church and the global community at large; his personality, his books and ideas made a great impact on the course of history.
Patriarch Alexis II said he was hopeful that in the coming years, the feelings of mutual respect and brotherly Christian love would be restored to the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church. He also said that he was praying to God for the repose of the deceased Pope's soul.
The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church described John Paul II as a person committed to his Christian mission and ministry, with an ardent desire to bear public witness to the Gospel.
Even when gravely ill, the Pope tried to remain close to his flock. The humble way in which he endured all hardship, trusting in God's mercy, offered an inspiring example to many, remarked Alexis II.
Metropolitan Cyril of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, head of the department of exterior church relations in the Moscow Patriarchate, has also forwarded a letter of condolences to Cardinal Ratzinger. According to the Metropolitan, the Russian Orthodox Church shares the Pope's views on many social issues, and is appreciative of his efforts to promote Christian values across the world and to revive the Christian community's role in enhancing spirituality and morality amid today's massive secularization. He expressed hope that Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic ministers would continue the Pope's efforts to reconcile the two Churches and have them put their differences behind them.
