The former KGB spy, who retains significant power despite formally stepping down in 2008 after eight years as president, turned in an electric performance during his annual marathon call-in show — cementing his high rating among the electorate and his reputation as Russia’s No. 1 leader.

Asked whether he was leaving the political stage, Putin grinned and said, “Don’t hold your breath.” In response to a query about his presidential intentions, he said he would “think about it; there is still enough time.”

– Associated Press

Kremlin, Vatican upgrade relations

Pope Benedict XVI and visiting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agreed Thursday to upgrade Vatican-Kremlin relations to full diplomatic ties, the Vatican said.

The two men also discussed challenges to “security and peace” in the world and “themes of mutual interest such as the value of the family and the contribution of believers to the life of Russia,” the Vatican said.

Medvedev, on a one-day visit to Rome, met with the German pope for 30 minutes, speaking through interpreters.

The step forward on the diplomatic front comes at the same time as a warming in relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Vatican.