Moscow: In a striking show of unity and admiration, Bishop Nicolai Gennadevich Dubinin, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow, shared that Pope Leo XIV’s heartfelt appeal for “disarmed and disarming peace” has deeply moved the Russian Church and society.
Speaking to Vatican News, Bishop Dubinin recalled how the Pope’s powerful words from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on May 8—the evening of his election—resonated across a nation fraught with conflict and uncertainty. “His concept of disarmed, disarming peace is simple yet profound,” the bishop remarked. “It’s sparked real hope.”
He highlighted how Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on “unity”—a term the pontiff used no less than eight times during his inauguration homily—sent a vital message not only to the Church in Russia but to the broader society: a call to come together beyond ideological lines.
Bishop Dubinin described how themes like dialogue, solidarity, and missionary vigor from the new Pope are deeply familiar, continuing the legacy of Pope Francis while igniting renewed energy and consolation for a Church burdened by war and division. “These messages act like healing balm on wounds long open,” he said.
In a nation where parishes encompass a mosaic of ethnicities and perspectives, the Russian Catholic Church strives to stay above the fray of partisanship. “We live the suffering of the people,” Dubinin said. “Though we cannot change events directly, we place our hope in the Holy Spirit guiding the Pope.”
The bishop also noted widespread appreciation for the Pope’s personal charisma. “People, even those far removed from Church life, were struck by his youthfulness, sincerity, and open heart,” he said. “Such openness is exactly what’s needed to help our society break through its fears.”
In a gesture of consolation, a replica of the Salus Populi Romani icon is now journeying across Catholic communities in Russia—a gift from Pope Francis after Russian bishops requested a tangible sign of spiritual closeness. The icon will find a permanent home in Moscow’s cathedral after the Jubilee concludes.
Bishop Dubinin also spotlighted a groundbreaking moment in interfaith collaboration: a Muslim community in Russia translated and published Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli tutti before the Catholic Church could. “It was unexpected, yet beautiful,” he said. “It opened the doors to dialogue, proving that the call to universal fraternity speaks to all people of goodwill.”
As Russia’s Church stands amid political storms and cultural complexities, Bishop Dubinin’s words reflect a steady conviction: the Pope’s message of peace, unity, and openness may well be the bridge the world so desperately needs.