Irish Examiner view: Russian church faces threat of schism

Its head has described Putin’s leadership as a miracle

Russian Orthodox Church head Patriarch Kirill and Vladimir Putin. Kirill has praised Putin for pursuing the concept that Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus should be united as one spiritual people. File picture: Alexey Druzhinin/AFP/Getty

Where is God, or at least his earthly representatives, in the appalling conflict unleashed by Russia, which is threatening to set Europe aflame? We are clear where Pope Francis stands, kissing the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine sent from the “martyred city” of Bucha while welcoming children from the war-torn country into his audience in the Vatican City.

“Recent news, instead of bringing relief and hope, brought new atrocities such as the massacre of Bucha. Stop this war! Let the weapons fall silent. Stop sowing death and destruction,” he said.