Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II Dies

The International Herald Tribune reports that Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II died today in Moscow at age 79. Heading the Church since 1990, Alexy presided over a restoration of the influence of the Orthodox Church in Russia. He maintained close ties with the Russian government and also often spoke out on moral issues. Alexy's relations with the Roman Catholic Church were often contentious. Pope Benedict XVI issued a statement of condolence. (International Herald Tribune.) The Jewish Telegraphic Agency eulogized Alexy, saying that he "became one of the first major religious Christian voices to call for an end to anti-Semitism in Russia." The Moscow Times speculates on Alexy's likely successor.