Russia Wants Full Diplomatic Ties With Holy See

From Catholic World News

Russian President Dmitri Medvedev has told Italian reporters that his government hopes to establish full diplomatic relations with the Holy See. Although Moscow and the Vatican do exchange diplomatic representatives, they do not have official status as ambassadors. Medvedev remarked that establishing full diplomatic ties would be a "perfectly normal" step.

Archbishp Antonio Mennini, the apostolic nuncio in Moscow, confirmed that talks are already underway, and full diplomatic ties could come quickly.

Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

• Moscow & Vatican discuss establishing diplomatic relations (Itar-Tass)
• Russian president: We want better Vatican ties (AP)
• Vatican, Russia close to full-scale diplomatic relations - nuncio (Interfax)