Antonijus

Antonijus is the Metropolitan of Volokolamsk and the head of external relations for the Russian Orthodox Church. He was appointed to this position in 2022, coinciding with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Historically, the Vatican and Moscow have had strained relations, and Antonijus has expressed skepticism about the Vatican's neutrality in potential peace negotiations. He has previously served as the Church's envoy in Italy and has engaged in dialogue with Pope Francis, attending multiple meetings with the former pope. Recently, Antonijus met with Pope Leo XIV to discuss peace efforts concerning Ukraine.