Should we pray for the conversion of Russia?

Among Catholics there is some confusion as to the “conversion of Russia” as commanded by Our Mother, Mary, at Fatima.  In 1984, Pope John Paul II attempted to consecrate Russia.  Church media writes;

ROME - The same day that Cdl. Raymond Burke called for Russia to be consecrated by name, another cardinal confirmed that Pope St. John Paul II had also wanted to do just that but had refrained owing to political pressure.

During his homily given on May 13, Cdl. Paul Josef Cordes, former president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, confirmed that John Paul II had wanted specifically to name Russia during his consecration of "all individuals and peoples" on March 25, 1984.

Cardinal Cordes revealed, "He himself had made this consecration on March 25, 1984 when the statue of Mary came from Fatima to Rome. However, he had refused to specifically name Russia because Vatican diplomats had urged him not to mention this country because otherwise political conflicts might arise."  Fr. Gabriele Amorth, who at the time was the chief exorcist of Rome, writes;  "I was there on March 25 [1984] in St. Peter's Square; I was in the front row, practically within touching distance of the Holy Father John Paul II. [He] wanted to consecrate Russia, but his entourage did not, fearing that the Orthodox would be antagonized, and they almost thwarted him."  The famous late exorcist continued:

“Therefore, when His Holiness consecrated the world on his knees, he added a sentence not included in the distributed version that instead said to consecrate "especially those nations of which you yourself have asked for their consecration." So, indirectly, this included Russia. However, a specific consecration has not yet been made. You can always do it”.

It should be noted that on May 13, 1984 Cdl. Burke, former prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, didn't formally question the validity of this consecration. He merely asked that it be repeated using the specific name of Russia as directed by Our Lady of Fatima.  He states; "Certainly, Pope St. John Paul II consecrated the world, including Russia, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25, 1984.  But, today, once again, we hear the call of Our Lady of Fatima to consecrate Russia to her Immaculate Heart, in accord with her explicit instruction."

In addition to this Consecration, Pope Pius XII (1942),  Pope Benedict XVI (2010) and Pope Francis (2013) have consecrated “the world” to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Most significantly, Pope Pius XII verbally consecrated "the peoples of Russia" on 7 July 1952 via his Papal bull “Sacro Vergente”. 

Russia, specifically the leadership, depicts the difference between consecration and conversion.  Consecration is usually given to an entity from God.  But, as Mary depicts, any act of consecration, or separation by God for His own purposes, must be coupled with a FAITHFUL RESPONSE.  The official political philosophy of Russia does not recognize God, attacks Christianity, and, therefore, would not accept its consecration to the Holy Mother.  So, yes, we must pray for the conversion of Russia.  Of course, we must pray for the protection and existence of Ukraine.  But we must pray that the leadership of Russia will live up to the special consecration given to them and offer a faithful response.  As Jesus said; “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust”.