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(ZENIT News / Rome, 10.21.2024).
- In a significant move toward easing the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi arrived in Moscow on October 14, marking his second visit to the Russian capital as part of the Vatican’s mission to mediate the conflict. Appointed by Pope Francis in May 2023, Zuppi’s peace mission has focused primarily on the repatriation of Ukrainian prisoners and children forcibly taken to Russia during the ongoing war. Cardinal Zuppi, who serves as the Archbishop of Bologna and heads the Italian Episcopal Conference, held crucial meetings with top Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Yuri Ushakov, President Putin’s foreign policy advisor.
His visit aimed to accelerate the return of prisoners and address the pressing issue of reuniting Ukrainian children with their families. According to a Vatican statement, the talks provided an opportunity to assess ongoing efforts toward these goals and explore further avenues for humanitarian cooperation. This latest diplomatic push follows a meeting between Pope Francis and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on October 11, where the focus remained on the plight of Ukrainians held in Russia.
Despite some initial hesitation from Kyiv regarding the Vatican’s role in mediating peace, President Zelensky expressed appreciation for the Pope’s humanitarian efforts. The Ukrainian leader has previously stressed that any peace deal must honor Ukraine’s sovereignty and reflect the country’s status as a victim of Russian aggression. A Continuing Mission for Peace Cardinal Zuppi’s efforts have been part of a broader diplomatic initiative by the Vatican to address the humanitarian fallout of the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The cardinal’s visit to Moscow follows earlier trips to Kyiv, Washington, and Beijing, reflecting the Vatican’s unique position as a neutral actor capable of facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties. In June 2023, Zuppi’s mediation led to a breakthrough in the release of 10 Ukrainian prisoners, including two Catholic priests, in an exchange facilitated by the Holy See. Ukrainian officials have lauded these efforts, viewing them as critical steps toward addressing the humanitarian toll of the war, even as they remain firm on their demands for peace terms that safeguard Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the conflict has been the forced displacement of around 19,000 Ukrainian children, who were taken to Russia or Russian-occupied territories. This issue has been a focal point of Zuppi’s mission, and during his latest visit to Moscow, he met with Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, to discuss the repatriation of these minors. In a statement issued by the Vatican, the Holy See emphasized the need to «evaluate new efforts for family reunification» and continue working toward the «long-awaited peace.
» Zuppi’s dialogue with both Lavrov and Lvova-Belova, along with his discussions with Tatiana Moskalkova, Russia’s Commissioner for Human Rights, underscored the complexity of the situation, as both humanitarian and political considerations come into play. A Balancing Act of Diplomacy The Vatican’s approach to the conflict has been carefully calibrated, maintaining an open line of communication with both Moscow and Kyiv while navigating the delicate balance between advocating for peace and addressing the humanitarian crises exacerbated by the war. Pope Francis has consistently called for dialogue, urging both sides to keep channels of communication open.
However, Ukraine has been cautious about accepting Vatican mediation in the political aspects of the conflict. President Zelensky, while welcoming the humanitarian support, has voiced concerns that any peace process must not ignore Ukraine’s demands, particularly regarding the return of its occupied territories and the preservation of its sovereignty. Cardinal Zuppi’s mission reflects the Vatican’s broader aim of acting as a bridge in situations where conventional diplomacy has faltered.
In addition to his engagement with Russian officials, Zuppi also met with representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate, including Metropolitan Antonij of Volokolamsk, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church’s external relations department. Their discussions focused on humanitarian issues, further illustrating the Vatican’s efforts to find common ground in a conflict that has deeply divided the Christian communities of both countries. A Glimmer of Hope Amid the Crisis The ongoing war in Ukraine has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions.
The humanitarian cost has been immense, with civilians bearing the brunt of the devastation. Despite the immense challenges, Zuppi’s mission has offered a glimmer of hope, particularly for the families of those still held in Russian captivity and the parents of the thousands of children taken across the border. In August, Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher of the Vatican’s Secretariat of State visited Kyiv to discuss these issues with President Zelensky.
In September, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, followed up with a meeting with Russian officials, including Tatiana Moskalkova. The focus of these talks was on securing better conditions for Ukrainian prisoners and facilitating the exchange of detainees, showing that the Vatican remains committed to addressing the war’s humanitarian consequences. As Zuppi’s visit concludes, there is cautious optimism that the Vatican’s quiet but persistent diplomacy may yet yield tangible results in the effort to bring peace and healing to the war-torn region.
While the path to a comprehensive political settlement remains fraught with challenges, the cardinal’s mission serves as a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, dialogue and diplomacy can offer a way forward. In the words of Pope Francis, «Peace is always possible; we must not lose hope.» For those still waiting for the return of their loved ones, those words may offer a much-needed source of comfort.
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