In an effort to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Vatican Envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi has returned to Rome after a two-day trip to Moscow. Cardinal Zuppi, known for his involvement in brokering peace deals in Africa and Central America, embarked on this diplomatic mission to engage with faith and government leaders in Russia.
The cardinal’s visit began last Wednesday with a prayer at the Tretyakov Museums Chapel, where he sought the intercession of Our Lady of Vladimir, an image highly revered in both Russia and Ukraine. Subsequently, he held meetings with Russian government officials, including a significant encounter with Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. The trip culminated with a celebratory Mass at the Catholic cathedral in Moscow, where Cardinal Zuppi met with local Catholics and clergy.
One bishop from Siberia, who traveled nearly a thousand miles to support the cardinal, emphasized the importance of the mission in promoting peace. This gesture demonstrated that the bishops are actively engaged in the pursuit of peace, refusing to remain indifferent to the challenges faced by society.
Cardinal Zuppi, in an interview with Italian State television, highlighted the humanitarian focus of his trip. Although he did not have a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, he engaged in discussions with Yuri Ushakov, the advisor for foreign policy. The cardinal also held a significant meeting with Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian commissioner for children’s rights. It is worth noting that last year, the International Criminal Court accused Lvova-Belova of facilitating the illegal transportation and adoption of Ukrainian children by Russian families. However, she denies these allegations.
Following their meeting, Lvova-Belova expressed confidence in the power of Christian love and mercy to foster dialogue and mutual understanding. The meeting between Cardinal Zuppi and Patriarch Kirill was arranged at the last minute but held great significance. The cardinal acknowledged Pope Francis’s desire for the meeting to take place, leading him to make adjustments to his schedule accordingly. The cardinal stressed the importance of dialogue and referred to the ongoing discussions between the Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches during the Cold War.
Cardinal Zuppi plans to meet with Pope Francis to provide an update on his experiences in Kiev and Moscow. Based on their discussions, further steps will be determined to advance the pursuit of peace in the region. Meanwhile, there has been a change in the Russian diplomatic course at the Vatican, as Ambassador Ivan Soltanovsky is set to present his credentials to the Pope in Rome.
As Cardinal Zuppi’s mission unfolds, the world eagerly awaits progress toward peace in Ukraine. The Vatican’s unwavering commitment to dialogue and understanding in these challenging times underscores the importance of diplomacy and compassion on the path to reconciliation.
