Stefano Leszczynski – Moscow correspondent
During a bilateral meeting held on Tuesday, August 25, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, pointed to several points of convergence on key international issues, agreeing on the importance of continuing dialogue between the Russian Federation and the Holy See.
Topics of mutual interest also included issues concerning the Catholic community in Russia and humanitarian initiatives aimed at opening a path toward peace between Russia and Ukraine.
Negotiations and humanitarian commitment
At the end of the meeting, which was also attended by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Giovanni d’Aniello, and lasted over an hour, Archbishop Gallagher and Minister Lavrov made statements to journalists.
The high representative of the Holy See recalled the appeal of Pope Leo XIV to end hostilities between Russia and Ukraine and to start “genuine negotiations” with the support of the international community. According to Gallagher, “the position of the Holy See is clear: the conflict cannot be resolved by military means.” Therefore—he stated—”it is necessary to create the conditions for initiating a political and diplomatic process.”
The Vatican diplomatic representative further urged Russia and Ukraine to show signs of openness and goodwill and to respect international and humanitarian law, particularly regarding the civilian population, infrastructure, the wounded, and prisoners of war.
The war must end
“To be clear,” Archbishop Gallagher said regarding the Ukrainian issue, “this war must end.” The death toll on both sides continues to rise steadily as a result of hostilities, as does the suffering of the civilian population.
“It is urgent and necessary,” the prelate emphasized, “to end hostilities and plan future relations so as not to remain prisoners of past grievances” and to strip hatred of the opportunity to spread further.
Strengthening cooperation between Russia and the Holy See
Foreign Minister Lavrov, expressing appreciation for the Holy See’s openness to dialogue with Russia and its commitment to peace, stated that he agreed with his Vatican counterpart on the need to intensify cooperation on humanitarian issues related to the conflict.
Lavrov described the conversation as “very useful.”
The Holy See’s commitment to peace
“Every concrete result in the humanitarian field,” emphasized the Secretary for Relations with States, “will help alleviate suffering and make it possible to rebuild at least a minimum of trust between the parties to the conflict.”
In this context, the significance of Cardinal Zuppi’s upcoming mission to Russia was recalled. On behalf of the Holy See—the archbishop continued—the willingness is reaffirmed to continue contributing to the creation of spaces for dialogue, strengthening humanitarian efforts, and offering its “good offices” in the pursuit of peace.
The role of Churches in building peace
During the conversation with Minister Lavrov, Archbishop Gallagher wished to recall the important role of Churches and local church communities in providing assistance to the most vulnerable, in a spirit of reconciliation. In this context, the Secretary for Relations with States also drew attention to the situation and needs of the Catholic Church in the Russian Federation, with a particular focus on pastoral care for the faithful and charitable activities carried out by church and religious communities.
Dialogue with the Moscow Patriarchate
On Tuesday evening, the Secretary for Relations with States then met with Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, responsible for external relations of the Moscow Patriarchate. They discussed issues of mutual interest, also in light of the current regional context.
Metropolitan Anthony expressed satisfaction with the ongoing and cordial contacts between the two Churches and the Holy See.
