Russian Orthodox Church enthrones new patriarch

MOSCOW – A new patriarch took charge of the Russian Orthodox Church on Sunday, formally becoming the first leader of the world’s largest Orthodox church to take office after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Patriarch Kirill, 62, has been a cautious advocate of change and a prominent figure in trying to reconcile with the Roman Catholic Church. He became the 16th person to bear the title in a ceremony at Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Patriarch Alexy II died in early December after almost two decades at the helm of the church.

Kirill has been critical of tolerance of homosexuality, abortion, multiparty democracy and the division of secular and religious authority.