At the inter-Christian gathering dedicated to the memory of the martyrs and confessors of the 21st century, held on Sunday at the Basilica of Saint Paul in Rome with the participation of Pope Leo XIV, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, was present.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the witness of the holy martyrs is a testimony of “unarmed hope,” which resists the violence and hatred of those who fight against the Cross of Christ.
The participants honored the memory of those who suffered persecution for their faith in Christ and expressed solidarity with Christians who today continue to endure oppression and persecution.
After the service, Metropolitan Anthony had a private meeting with the Pontiff, during which he conveyed the warm congratulations and best wishes of Patriarch Kirill on the occasion of the Pope’s 70th birthday, which coincided with that day, and presented him with a commemorative gift.
