[Lauren BaRecall]

And Russia still won't let the Pope set foot on Russian soil, despite his repeated requests.

Well, the Russian Orthodox aren't exactly a happy bunch - *they* still won't meet with the Pope. They *do* have some influence with the government.

I'm not saying it's all them, but they do have their power.

Regarding ICEL, the Vatican did crack down on them, and since they didn't get with the program, there's all new personnel. :o) That's the nutshell version.

I'm not good with languages, BTW. But that would be interesting....

[Land of the Irish]

Well, the Russian Orthodox aren't exactly a happy bunch - *they* still won't meet with the Pope. They *do* have some influence with the government.

So where do you see the conversion of Russia having occurred?