VATICAN CITY (Sputnik) – Russia is meant to play an important role on the international arena due to its geographical position and history, and is responsible for achieving peace in the world, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said Friday.
Parolin's statement comes after his visit to Russia earlier this week, during which the Vatican state secretary met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill and Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, the chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for External Church Relations.
"Russia, for its geographical position, its history, its culture, and its past, present, and future, has an important role to play in the international community and in the world. Therefore, it has a particular responsibility regarding peace: both the country and its leaders have a great responsibility to build peace, and they must truly strive to put the higher interests of peace above all other interests," Parolin was quoted as saying by the Vatican Radio.
Parolin's visit was the first of a Vatican state secretary to Russia since 1999.
