The Regnal Name of the Prince-Bishop and Pope-Catholicos, Radislav

From the Pontifical Court

His Apostolic Highness the Prince-Bishop and Pope-Catholicos of Rome-Ruthenia is formally styled Radislav I in all regnal and patriarchal contexts, particularly in ecclesiastical, diplomatic, and nobiliary usage. This form reflects the Church’s Slavic, Roman, and Byzantine heritage and aligns with the historic customs of liturgical and official language.

Since the Union forming the modern United Roman-Ruthenian Church, it has been the policy and consistent practice of the Holy Apostolic See that the preamble and principal signature of official documents appear in Church Slavonic or Russian, in Cyrillic script. Therefore, the use of the Slavic name Radislav — declared the equivalent of the given name Rutherford — accords with both linguistic and ecclesiastical tradition.

This is not a change from prior usage, but a continuation and deepening of the Church’s cultural and apostolic expression. It further affirms the alignment of the Roman-Ruthenian Papacy with the legacy of Holy Rus’ and its apostolic inheritance as Third Rome.

For informal or practical purposes, the English form Rutherford may be used where appropriate. However, in all formal and official usage, Radislav I remains the normative regnal expression.

Statement on the Death of Roman Pope Francis

Photo Credit: Quirinale.it

ROME-RUTHENIA 21 April 2025 (NRom)

Statement from His Apostolic Highness Radislav (Rutherford) I, Prince-Bishop, Pope-Catholicos, and Imperator of Rome-Ruthenia, Supreme Pontiff of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francesco, Bishop of Rome

With solemnity and measured reflection, we acknowledge the death of Pope Francis, the 266th Bishop of Rome, who departed this life on 21 April 2025, at the age of 88. His tenure was marked by a commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, and outreach to marginalized communities. ​

Although we are saddened that he perpetuated certain theological, structural, and liturgical reforms that diverged from traditional Orthodox and Catholic belief and practice, which have long plagued the Roman church, we nevertheless appreciate the additional recognition he gave to the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, including affirming its imperial status and acknowledging its temporal heritage. This gesture contributed to a broader understanding and respect among Christian communities.​

In this time of mourning, we offer prayers for the repose of his soul and for the faithful of the Roman Catholic Church. May his memory inspire continued efforts toward unity and compassion within the Christian faith.​ Вечная память.