Archbishop Gallagher Visits Moscow, Urges End to Hostilities
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, held a bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday, August 25, according to Vatican News. The meeting, which lasted more than an hour and was attended by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Giovanni d’Aniello, focused on identifying areas of convergence on international issues and the importance of continuing dialogue.
During the meeting, Archbishop Gallagher recalled Pope Leo XIV’s appeal to end hostilities between Russia and Ukraine and to begin “genuine negotiations” with the support of the international community. “The position of the Holy See is clear: the conflict cannot be resolved by military means,” he stated, adding that “it is essential to create the conditions for a political and diplomatic process.”
The Vatican official called on both Russia and Ukraine to show openness and goodwill, and to respect international humanitarian law, particularly regarding civilians, infrastructure, the wounded, and prisoners of war. “To be clear, this war must end,” he said, noting that the number of casualties on both sides continues to rise.
Foreign Minister Lavrov expressed appreciation for the Holy See’s openness to dialogue and its commitment to peace, describing the meeting as “very useful.” He agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation on humanitarian issues related to the conflict, according to Vatican News.
The discussions also covered the situation of the Catholic community in Russia and humanitarian initiatives aimed at peace. The importance of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi’s upcoming mission to Russia was recalled, and the Holy See reiterated its determination to contribute to creating conditions for dialogue, including offering its “good offices.”
On Tuesday evening, Archbishop Gallagher met Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate. Metropolitan Anthony expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cordial contacts between the two Churches and the Holy See. Archbishop Gallagher also emphasized the condition and needs of the Catholic community in Russia.
A Renewed Phase of Official Diplomacy
The visit marks a significant development in Vatican-Russia relations, according to experts interviewed by TASS. Don Stefano Caprio, an associate professor at the Pontifical Oriental Institute, noted that “this trip is highly significant; it marks the first official visit since 2021.” He explained that in recent years, relations have been more informal, conducted through special representatives such as Cardinal Matteo Zuppi. “Now, we are seeing a return to full-fledged official diplomacy,” he said.
The agenda extends beyond humanitarian mediation to encompass critical issues in the Middle East, Africa, and Ukraine, according to Don Caprio, who also recalled initiatives proposed by Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIII for the Catholic Church to serve as a mediator or platform for negotiations. While Russia has rejected such a platform, he noted that this does not equate to a rejection of dialogue altogether.
Vatican analyst Pietro Schiavazzi commented that Gallagher’s visit would resonate far beyond the local Catholic community. “This trip carries much broader implications,” he stated. “Pope Leo XIII’s actions may still surprise us.”
According to the Holy See’s Secretariat of State, Archbishop Gallagher will be in Moscow from August 24 to 28. His schedule includes meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk. On August 27, he is scheduled to meet with local Catholic clergy and community members, and to participate in a religious service.
Both Vatican News and TASS reported on the visit, with Vatican News providing details of the diplomatic talks and TASS offering expert analysis on the significance of the trip.