Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of Alexei Navalny, Russia’s most prominent opposition leader and a staunch critic of President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking from Rome on the fringes of a commemorative Mass, Cardinal Parolin conveyed the Vatican’s shock and grief, saying, “This news surprises us and fills us with sorrow.”
Navalny, 47, who became widely recognized for his unyielding stance against corruption within the Russian government and his audacious critiques of Putin, succumbed on Friday in the Arctic penal colony IK-3. His death, described by Russian prison officials as occurring shortly after he “fell ill” during a walk, has ignited a flurry of speculation and concern regarding the true circumstances that led to his demise.
Cardinal Parolin’s remarks came amid reflections on the broader implications of Navalny’s death for Vatican-Russia relations, suggesting a cautious approach to any immediate shift in stance. “It is premature to say such things… We have just learned about it,” he said.
Navalny’s commitment to exposing governmental malfeasance and his daring return to Russia, despite clear threats to his liberty and life, marked him as a figure of significant moral courage. His death not only marks a tragic end to a life of political activism but also raises serious questions about the safety and treatment of political prisoners in Russia.
The Vatican’s response, through Cardinal Parolin’s words, highlights the international community’s concern over Navalny’s untimely death and its potential ramifications for human rights and political freedom in Russia.
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