The Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill, has articulated a belief about how the Russian Federation should treat citizens who have left the country. Speaking during a Christmas interview on the television channel Russia-1, he suggested that people who departed should not be harshly rejected if they later recognize their mistake and decide to return. He framed this stance as a matter of national mercy and the enduring bond between a person and the Motherland.
According to Kirill, even if former residents speak critically of Russia while abroad, the door should remain open when they come back and acknowledge their errors. He emphasized that the decision to determine individual responsibility for any crimes rests with law enforcement and judicial processes, not with the country’s broad moral posture. In his view, there are immigrants who left for understandable reasons, perhaps driven by fear or the pursuit of a better life, and some may have encountered difficulties along the way. He noted that a portion of those who left could still be worthy individuals who found themselves disgraced by circumstances beyond their control.
The church leader underscored that his remarks come from the perspective of a spiritual shepherd and should not be interpreted as a blanket exoneration of wrongdoing. He acknowledged the seriousness of crime and the necessity of upholding justice, while also advocating a humane approach to reconciliation and family reunification—one that recognizes the complexities of migration and the emotional toll it takes on individuals and communities.
Earlier, Kirill had asserted that external threats to Russia would be mitigated if its citizens remain faithful to the Orthodox faith. This line of thinking ties resilience and national unity to religious continuity, suggesting that shared belief can influence perceptions of security and stability in challenging times.
In a separate note of sympathy, the Patriarch offered condolences regarding the explosions in Kerman, Iran. His expressions of condolence reflected a broader pattern of public religious figures responding to international tragedies with messages of solidarity and supplication for those affected.