(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 primarily focused on the repatriation of Ukrainian prisoners and children forcibly taken to Russia during the ongoing war.
Cardinal Zuppi, who serves as archbishop of Bologna and heads the Italian Bishops’ Conference, held crucial meetings with senior Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Yuri Ushakov, President Putin’s foreign policy adviser. His visit was aimed at expediting the return of prisoners and addressing the pressing issue of reuniting Ukrainian children with their families. According to a Vatican statement, the talks provided an opportunity to evaluate 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 he focused on the plight of Ukrainians in Russia. Despite some initial doubts from kyiv regarding the Vatican’s role in mediating peace, President Zelensky expressed his appreciation for the Pope’s humanitarian efforts. The Ukrainian leader has previously emphasized that any peace agreement 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 consequences of the war, which began with Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Beijing, reflecting the unique position of the Vatican 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 praised these efforts, seeing them as critical steps in addressing the humanitarian cost of the war, even as they remain steadfast in 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 last 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 “long-awaited peace.” Zuppi’s dialogue with Lavrov and Lvova-Belova, along with her discussions with Tatiana Moskalkova, Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner, underscored the complexity of the situation, as humanitarian as well as 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 Moscow and kyiv as it navigates the delicate balance between advocating for peace and addressing humanitarian crises exacerbated by war. Pope Francis has consistently called for dialogue, urging both sides to keep communication channels open.
However, Ukraine has been cautious in accepting Vatican mediation in the political aspects of the conflict. President Zelensky, while welcoming humanitarian support, has expressed concern that any peace process should 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 goal 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 external relations department of the Russian Orthodox Church. Their discussions focused on humanitarian issues, further illustrating the Vatican’s efforts to find common ground in a conflict that has deeply divided Christian communities in both countries.
A ray of hope in the midst of the crisis
The ongoing war in Ukraine has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced. The humanitarian toll has been immense, with civilians bearing the brunt of the devastation. Despite the immense challenges, Zuppi’s mission has offered a ray of hope, particularly for the families of those still in Russian captivity and the parents of the thousands of children taken across the border.
In August, Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher of the Vatican Secretariat of State visited kyiv to discuss these issues with President Zelensky. In September, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican 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, demonstrating that the Vatican remains committed to addressing the humanitarian consequences of the war.
As Zuppi’s visit concludes, there is cautious optimism that the Vatican’s calm but persistent diplomacy can produce tangible results in the effort to bring peace and healing to the war-torn region. While the path toward a comprehensive political settlement remains fraught with challenges, the Cardinal’s mission serves as a reminder that, even in the darkest moments, 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 awaiting the return of their loved ones, those words can offer a much-needed source of comfort.
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