Nevsky made peace with the Mongols and paid tribute with them, but he refused to have dealings with Western Catholic powers. This is because the Mongols, although they were not Christians, allowed Russian Orthodox believers the practice their faith; by contrast, Western Catholics forced the Orthodox to submit to the papacy, as they had done in Constantinople. With bold defiance Nevsky declared to the ambassadors of the pope: "Our doctrines are those preached by the apostles. We carefully keep the traditions of the holy fathers of the seven ecumenical Councils. As for your words, we do not listen to them, and we do not want your doctrine."
- N. R. Needham, 2000 Years of Christ's Power, Part Two, The MIddle Ages, p. 227
