According to Vatican News, Holy See Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, concluded a diplomatic mission to Moscow, highlighting the necessity of dialogue and humanitarian engagement to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. The visit featured high-level institutional talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov, alongside engagements with local Catholic communities and representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Diplomatic Travel Logistics and the Symbolism of Dialogue
The journey from Rome to Moscow took at least 12 hours due to the suspension of direct flights between Russia and European Union member states, according to Vatican News. Before 2022, the trip required approximately four hours of direct flight time. Traveling via Istanbul, the archbishop’s flight path skirted the Balkans and the Ukrainian border before crossing Belarusian airspace.
“This is a long journey, but it also takes on a symbolic dimension,” Archbishop Gallagher stated to Vatican News, noting that the extended route underscores the Holy See’s persistent desire to maintain open communication channels. The mission was carried out on behalf of the Holy See and with the Pope’s blessing, building on years of ongoing diplomatic work conducted through the Russian Embassy to the Holy See and Apostolic Nuncio Giovanni D’Aniello.
Institutional Talks With Sergey Lavrov and Yury Ushakov
During bilateral meetings at the Russian Foreign Ministry on August 25, Archbishop Gallagher and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed key international topics and regional humanitarian initiatives. The visit also included a meeting with Yury Ushakov, assistant to the Russian president for foreign affairs, on August 26.
In a joint press statement following their discussions, Archbishop Gallagher emphasized that the conflict cannot be resolved through military means and called for a return to diplomatic processes supported by the international community. Foreign Minister Lavrov described the talks as very useful and agreed on the importance of intensifying cooperation regarding humanitarian issues linked to the conflict.
Humanitarian Priorities and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi’s Mission
Addressing civilian suffering, Archbishop Gallagher stressed the urgency of strengthening humanitarian assistance and supporting the ongoing peace mission led by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi. According to Vatican News, the Holy See aims to facilitate swift returns for Cardinal Zuppi to Moscow to assess the relief work carried out by the local Catholic Church and associated communities.
“Any concrete results in the humanitarian field will help alleviate suffering and allow the restoration of even minimal trust between the parties involved in the conflict,” Archbishop Gallagher stated, while reiterating the Holy See’s standing offer of “good offices” to assist both Russia and Ukraine in reaching a peaceful settlement.
Meetings With the Moscow Patriarchate and Local Catholic Community
On August 27, Archbishop Gallagher met with Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, to discuss topics of mutual interest in the current regional context. Metropolitan Anthony expressed satisfaction with the ongoing and cordial contacts between the two churches and the Holy See.
During the same leg of the journey, the Vatican diplomat met with the local Catholic clergy, consecrated men and women, and the broader faithful, culminating in a well-attended Holy Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Moscow. The Catholic Church in Russia is a geographically dispersed minority structured across the Archdiocese of Moscow, the Diocese of St. Clement in Saratov, the Diocese of the Transfiguration in Novosibirsk, and the Diocese of St. Joseph in Irkutsk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher?
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher serves as the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
When did Archbishop Gallagher visit Moscow?
The diplomatic mission took place in late August, concluding on August 28, and included meetings held between August 25 and August 28.
Which Russian officials did Archbishop Gallagher meet?
According to verified reports, Archbishop Gallagher met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, presidential foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov, and Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk.
What was the primary focus of the Vatican mission?
The mission focused on advocating for humanitarian assistance, addressing civilian suffering in Ukraine, maintaining diplomatic dialogue, and supporting the local Catholic community in Russia.
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