Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, visited Moscow in a significant official visit, marking the first visit of a Vatican representative of such stature to Russia in five years. On August 25, he engaged in discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, advisor to the Russian president Yuri Ushakov, and Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, the chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations.
The central focus of talks with Lavrov was the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and exploring diplomatic resolutions. Gallagher emphasized the Holy See’s continued advocacy for ceasing hostilities and initiating genuine talks between Russia and Ukraine. He highlighted the importance of maintaining diplomatic communication, especially amidst disagreements.
“Significant differences in our assessments exist, yet we identified points for dialogue. We agreed on keeping communication channels open and stressed the necessity of collaboration on humanitarian issues. Diplomacy is crucial when disagreements arise,” Gallagher asserted.
The Vatican diplomat noted a shared willingness to cooperate in the humanitarian realm, discussing issues such as reuniting children with families, the status of prisoners of war and detained civilians, exchanging information on missing persons, family reunification, and aiding the wounded. These discussions prioritized humanitarian concerns, avoiding political bias. Any tangible outcomes could alleviate human suffering and foster minimal trust restoration among conflict parties.
Lavrov addressed concerns about the Russian language and culture in Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian authorities’ actions towards the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Archbishop Gallagher heard similar points during his meeting with Metropolitan Anthony, who shared the Moscow Patriarchate’s views on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s situation. The meeting also included the Apostolic Nuncio to Russia, Archbishop Giovanni D’Aniello, Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, and Archpriest Igor Vizhanov.
Gallagher’s visit continues the Holy See’s endeavor to sustain diplomatic relations with Moscow despite significant disagreements over the war. The Vatican has proposed mediation for negotiations, with its primary contributions so far being in the humanitarian sector. Prior visits to Moscow included Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Pope’s envoy for peace in Ukraine.
Discussions between the Vatican diplomat and Russian officials also touched on Middle Eastern and African crises, artificial intelligence, its military applications, and possible renewal of Russia-Holy See political consultations. The visit is ongoing, without new war-ending initiatives reported.
Following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, declared the Vatican’s willingness to aid negotiation processes between Moscow and Kiev. Pope Francis has consistently advocated for renewing direct dialogue. After Pope Leo XIV’s election, the Holy See renewed its offer of the Vatican as a “neutral and protected place” for peace talks. In July, the Pope reiterated this offer to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Kiev welcomed the idea, suggesting the Vatican as a possible venue for high-level discussions, but Moscow expressed reservations, preferring Turkey or the Persian Gulf states. Archbishop Gallagher’s visit to Moscow is a continuation of the Vatican’s enduring diplomatic efforts to maintain a channel for potential future negotiations.
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