Italy has spoken out against EU sanctions against Patriarch Kirill.

Italy does not support the European Union’s plan to impose sanctions against Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Politico reports this, citing European diplomats.

According to the publication, the proposal to include an entry ban for Kirill in the 21st EU sanctions package was put forward by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Sources claim Italy’s position is linked to the Vatican and its reluctance to impose restrictions on the head of the Christian Church. However, Italy’s official representation to the EU declined to comment on this information.

Bulgaria also previously spoke out against sanctions against Patriarch Kirill. Bulgarian President Rumen Radev stated that extending sanctions to the religious sphere is a dangerous step and could have negative consequences for millions of believers of the Russian Orthodox Church.

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