While Western leaders hesitated to confront Donald Trump over his astonishing Iran threats, Pope Leo confronted him hours before his deadline expired.

Russia’s Supreme Court has just banned the so-called “International Satanist Movement” as an extremist organisation. But does it even exist? In this episode I talk about the political and religious motivations behind Russia’s latest crackdown, exploring how President Putin and the Russian Orthodox Church are weaponising the concept of Satanism to frame dissent and the war in Ukraine as part of a spiritual battle. Watch this next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrXa3ugO7pY -------------------------------------- SUPPORT THE CHANNEL 🔴 If you’d like to keep up with the latest in Church and world affairs, don’t forget to subscribe! / @andrejabogdanovski WHO AM I? Religion journalist and analyst based in the UK writing about religion and (geo)politics, specialising in Orthodox affairs and ecumenical relations. MY JOURNALISM Check out my recent work: www.authory.com/AndrejaBogdanovski Join my newsletter on church geopolitics: www.divinediplomacy.substack.com 👍 Like, comment, and share to support the channel and help more people find this content. Connect with Andreja Bogdanovski on social media: YouTube: ⁨@andrejabogdanovski⁩ X: bogdanovskiA Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:47 Supreme Court ruling banning Satanism 3:16 There is no “International Satanist Movement” 4:53 Russian political backing 6:53 Russian Orthodox Church blessing #andrejabogdanovski #putin #satan #religion #ukraine #orthodox #russia #christian About With Patriarch Kirill backing the move to ban Satanism, this video dives into the intersection of church politics, authoritarianism, and geopolitics in today’s Russia.

#popeleo #ukraine #orthodox #vatican Russia’s Orthodox Church “foreign minister”, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, held his first official meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican on Saturday (26 July). The main issues discussed were Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the state of relations with the Russian Orthodox Church. The Vatican has remained tight-lipped about the details of the meeting but was quick to reject Moscow’s allegations that it has taken sides in the Russia–Ukraine war. Cardinal Parolin stated: “We have always tried — while speaking truthfully — to stand close to both sides.” Metropolitan Anthony accused the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of spreading Russophobia and expressed disappointment that the Vatican has not intervened. In this video, I unpack whether the meeting marked a breakthrough in the fraught relations between the Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church, which have been deeply strained by Russia’s war on Ukraine. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:37 First meeting between the Pope and Metropolitan Anthony 1:21 Russian Orthodox Church exploits freedom of religion in Ukraine 3:32 Vatican has taken a side in the war - Moscow says 7:44 Will there be a meeting between Pope Leo and Patriarch Kirill? 9:06 Who is Metropolitan Anthony? 10:17 Has Pope Leo chosen a pragmatic line in relations with Moscow? -------------------------------------- SUPPORT THE CHANNEL If you’d like to keep up with the latest in Church and world affairs, don’t forget to subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/@UCzgPXYacGbC1hhO2HNL6SfA WHO AM I? Religion journalist and analyst based in the UK writing about religion and (geo)politics, specialising in Orthodox affairs and ecumenical relations. MY JOURNALISM Check out my recent work: www.authory.com/AndrejaBogdanovski Join my newsletter on church geopolitics: www.divinediplomacy.substack.com #christian #catholic

In this episode: Estonia expels Moscow-linked Orthodox leader, Greece faces political turbulence over same-sex marriage, revealing ROC's treatment of dissent Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:38 Estonia tells the head of the Moscow-tied Orthodox church to leave 4:17 Greece’s politics shaken by same-sex marriage legislation 7:40 Uminsky's case shows how the ROC treats “unpatriotic voices” Please subscribe if you enjoyed this podcast. I write on Substack: https://divinediplomacy.substack.com