The head of the Russian Orthodox Church has urged countries around the world to unite in what he called a “holy war” against terrorism.
Patriarch Kirill made the call on October 18 at a news conference in London's Luton airport at the end of a four-day visit to Britain.
"Today's war against terrorism should be a common cause,” he said. “It is not only Russia's concern, it a concern of all countries and we must get united to exterminate this evil.”
Kirill also said that none of the British people he met showed any "hostility" toward him, despite a surge in tensions between Russia and the West over the wars in Syria and Ukraine.
"I felt a very warm and kind atmosphere," he said.
During his visit to Britain, Kirill consecrated the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Kensington, west London, following a major refurbishment.
He also met Queen Elisabeth II and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
The visit marked 300 years of the presence of the Russian Church in Britain, which began with a small Russian Embassy church.
