On a recent visit to the Solovetskii monastery in northwestern Russia, Russian President Putin stressed the importance of religion in public life. Reported on Radio Free Europe, the visit and the comments give further evidence of Mr. Putin s personal religious beliefs. Speaking to the press during his visit, Mr. Putin said the idea of equality of all peoples before God should become the foundation of Russia s domestic and foreign policies. He said that without Christianity, Russia would not have become an accomplished state. He urged Russians to turn to God at a time when we are finding ourselves again and seeking moral foundations to life.
Speculation reaches deep.
Mr. Putin reportedly underwent a conversion after rescuing his two young daughters from a burning dacha four years ago. Another story says his spiritual journey began after his mother gave him a cross. Earlier it was reported that he claimed to have been baptized secretly as a child.