VATICAN/MOSCOW – The Vatican Secretary of State for Relations with States and International Organizations, Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher, met in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Discussions covered the international situation, relations between the Russian Federation and the Holy See, humanitarian issues, and possibilities to contribute to ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The meeting took place at the representative premises of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Apostolic Nuncio in Moscow, Monsignor Giovanni d’Aniello, also participated. After more than an hour of conversation, Gallagher and Lavrov addressed the press. Gallagher reiterated Pope Leo XIV’s call to end hostilities and begin genuine negotiations with international community support. According to a Holy See representative, the conflict cannot be resolved through military means; therefore, conditions for a political and diplomatic process must be created.
"The position of the Holy See is clear: the conflict cannot be solved by force," Gallagher stated. At the same time, he called on Russia and Ukraine to demonstrate openness and good will and respect international and humanitarian law. Special attention, in his view, must be given to protecting civilians, infrastructure, the wounded, and prisoners of war. <-> "This war must end." One of Gallagher’s most emphatic messages was that this conflict must conclude: "To make it clear, this war must stop," declared the Vatican representative. He pointed out the rising number of casualties and continuing suffering among civilians on both sides. According to Gallagher, there is an urgent need to halt fighting while simultaneously preparing for future relations so that neither side remains a "prisoner of past wrongs" nor continues fueling hatred.
Sergey Lavrov Praised the Vatican’s Openness
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to an official statement released later, commended the Holy See's openness to dialogue with Russia and its efforts toward peace. He also highlighted intensified cooperation on humanitarian matters related to the conflict as important. Lavrov described his conversation with Gallagher as "very useful." Both sides reportedly identified numerous common topics during discussions and agreed on the importance of continuing dialogue between Moscow and the Holy See.
Humanitarian Issues as a Pathway to Restoring Trust
Gallagher emphasized that concrete results in humanitarian areas can help alleviate civilian suffering while creating space for restoring at least minimal trust between conflicting parties. In this context, Cardinal Zuppi’s upcoming mission to Russia will play a significant role. According to Gallagher, the Holy See reaffirms its willingness to support humanitarian initiatives, create opportunities for dialogue, and offer its "good services" in developing diplomacy focused on peace. The Vatican also underscored the importance of churches and local ecclesial communities in assisting the most vulnerable people and supporting reconciliation.
Gallagher Also Engaged with the Moscow Patriarchate
As part of his visit to Moscow, Gallagher also met with Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate. Both representatives discussed matters of mutual interest in light of the current international and regional situation. According to published information, Metropolitan Anthony expressed satisfaction with the ongoing and, according to him, warm relations between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Holy See. The Vatican stated that the meetings in Moscow represent another step in the continuation of diplomatic and ecclesiastical dialogue. At the same time, the Holy See declares its readiness to support humanitarian initiatives and all efforts that can contribute to ending the war and alleviating the suffering of the civilian population.
vaticannews.va / gnews.cz - Jan Vojtěch