During a bilateral meeting in Moscow, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sergey Lavrov, discuss areas of convergence on international issues and address issues relating to the Catholic community in Russia and humanitarian initiatives aimed at initiating a path towards peace between Russia and Ukraine. By Stefano Leszczynski – Moscow During the bilateral meeting held at the representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow on Tuesday, August 25, the Secretary of the Holy See for Relations with States and International Organizations, Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov, identified several points of convergence around the main international issues, agreeing on the importance of continuing the dialogue between the Russian Federation and the Holy See. Bilateral issues related to the Catholic community in Russia and humanitarian initiatives aimed at starting a path towards peace between Russia and Ukraine were also discussed. Negotiations and humanitarian commitment At the end of the meeting, which was attended by the apostolic nuncio, Monsignor Giovanni d’Aniello, and which lasted more than an hour, Monsignor Gallagher and Minister Lavrov gave statements to the press. The high representative of the Holy See recalled the call of Pope Leo XIV to end hostilities between Russia and Ukraine and begin “genuine negotiations” with the support of the international community. Archbishop Gallagher said that “the position of the Holy See is clear: the conflict cannot be resolved by military means.” For this reason, he stated, “it is essential to create the conditions for a political and diplomatic process.” The Vatican official also called on Russia and Ukraine to show signs of openness and goodwill, and to respect international and humanitarian law, particularly with regard to civilians, infrastructure, the wounded and prisoners of war. The war must end “To be clear,” Archbishop Gallagher said of the situation in Ukraine, “this war must end.” The number of casualties on both sides continues to rise steadily as a result of the hostilities, as does the suffering of the civilian population. “It is urgent and necessary,” the high prelate reiterated, “to put an end to hostilities and plan future relations so as not to remain prisoners of the errors of the past” and deprive hatred of oxygen. Strengthening cooperation between Russia and the Holy See Foreign Minister Lavrov, after expressing his appreciation for the Holy See’s openness to dialogue with Russia and its commitment to peace, said he agreed with his Vatican counterpart on the need to strengthen cooperation on humanitarian issues related to the conflict. The Minister described the meeting as “very useful”. The Holy See’s commitment to peace “Any concrete result in the humanitarian field,” stressed the Secretary for Relations with States, “will contribute to alleviating suffering and will allow for the restoration of a minimum level of trust between the parties in conflict.” In this sense, the importance of Cardinal Zuppi’s upcoming mission to Russia was recalled. For its part, the Holy See, the Archbishop continued, reiterates its determination to continue contributing to the creation of spaces for dialogue, strengthening humanitarian efforts and offering its “good offices” in pursuit of peace. The role of the Churches in building peace During his meeting with Minister Lavrov, Bishop Gallagher also wanted to remember the important role of the Churches and local ecclesial communities in assisting the most vulnerable, in a spirit of reconciliation. In this context, the Secretary for Relations with States also highlighted the situation and needs of the Catholic Church in the Russian Federation, particularly with regard to the pastoral care of the faithful and the charitable activities carried out by ecclesial and religious communities. Dialogue with the Moscow Patriarchate On Tuesday afternoon, the Secretary for Relations with States met with Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of the Department of Foreign Ecclesiastical Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate. They discussed topics of common interest, also in light of the current regional context. Metropolitan Antonio expressed his satisfaction at the continuous and cordial contacts between the two Churches and the Holy See.
