The Vatican’s foreign minister finished his visit to Russia last Friday, the purpose of which was to hasten the end of war in Ukraine. His visit represented a significant engagement by the Vatican in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
From August 24-28, British Archbishop Richard Gallagher met with politicians, ecumenical leaders and local Catholics, on what was his first visit to Russia since their invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
His message was very clear: “This war must end,” he said, while recognising “lingering and substantial differences” remained. He was there to present to Moscow the official position of Pope Leo, that “the conflict cannot be resolved by military means. It is essential to create the conditions for a serious political and diplomatic process.” This is in line with messages delivered by consecutive popes on many occasions over the years, including in both Russia and Ukraine by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, who served as Pope Francis’ special delegate.
Delivered in Moscow, standing next to Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, Archbishop Gallagher’s press statement will have made an impact. Lavrov described their meeting as “very useful”, and welcomed the Vatican’s emphasis on the humanitarian aspects of the war. “Any concrete result in the humanitarian sphere will help alleviate suffering and make it possible to restore a minimum level of trust between the parties to the conflict,” he said.
Read the full story in the Catholic Herald, here.
Picture above: Archbishop Gallagher with Sergey Lavrov in Moscow