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Putin recalls late Pope's warmth towards Russia

"But his Latin American heritage played a part in this, as the overwhelming majority of people from Latin America have this same attitude," the Russian president said

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Pope Francis always showed goodwill towards Russia, partially thanks to his Argentinian roots, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and Patriarch Porfiry of Serbia.

"We met [with the Pope] on several occasions, and I can say that he obviously had a warm attitude towards Russia," the head of state assured.

"But his Latin American heritage played a part in this, as the overwhelming majority of people from Latin America have this same attitiude. With this same warmth in his heart, he built relations with Russia."

Pope Francis, who had headed the Roman Catholic Church since 2013, died on April 21 at the age of 88 from a stroke that triggered a coma and cardiac arrest. His viewing will take place in St. Peter's Cathedral. Pope Francis bequeathed to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The funeral will take place on April 26. In Argentina, a week of mourning was declared.

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