The Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill notes closeness between Rome and Moscow on the major challenges of modernity, globalization, secularization, erosion of traditional moral principles. Instead distances increase with Protestants accused of betraying the Christian heritage to the standards of the world.

Mgr Kirollos had received several threats in preceding days. Crowd at the funeral of the six Christians killed throw rocks at police who respond with tear gas. Security forces are accused of negligence.