President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia "is in favor of developing a political dialogue with the Vatican," expressing hope for cooperation despite tense relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
"We are convinced that on several questions, our bilateral relations will contribute to resolving complex issues of the modern world order," Putin told the Vatican's new top representative in Russia, papal nuncio Archbishop Antonio Mennini, during a Kremlin reception for new ambassadors.
"On several questions, including the important and acute question of terrorism, our position practically coincides with the Vatican's," Putin said.
The Russian Orthodox Church, highly sensitive to what it views as obstacles to restoring its flock after decades of Soviet atheism, complains that Catholics are trying to convert people on its territory.
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Alexy II, has repeatedly said he will not agree to a visit by Pope John Paul II — which the pontiff deeply desires — unless relations improve and Catholics stop their alleged proselytizing.
The dispute escalated sharply last year after the Vatican decided to upgrade its "apostolic administrations" in Russia to full dioceses.
Five foreign-born Catholics had their Russian visas revoked or not renewed last year and Russian Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz has complained that in some regions Catholics have experienced bans on constructing new churches, and the vandalism and desecration of existing churches.
Last month, the Vatican's foreign minister summoned Russia's ambassador to the Holy See to formally complain about what he called a "true anti-Catholic campaign" in the country.
When Mennini arrived in Russia earlier this month, he said he hoped relations between Russia and the Vatican "can develop with joint trust and cooperation."