According to Vatican News, the Holy See’s Secretariat of State has outlined the official itinerary for Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher’s visit to Moscow, where he arrived on August 24 for a mission centered on dialogue and peace. The Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations is undertaking the trip to engage with political authorities, Orthodox representatives, and local Catholic communities through August 28.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements in Moscow
Archbishop Gallagher’s schedule features key meetings with Russian state officials and religious leaders. According to Vatican News, the Vatican envoy is set to meet with Russian Federation Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on August 25. That discussion will be followed by a meeting with Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations.
Diplomatic talks continue on Wednesday, August 26, when Archbishop Gallagher will meet with Yury Ushakov, aide to the Russian president on foreign policy matters. According to the Holy See, these sessions underscore a firm commitment to pursuing diplomatic channels during one of the most challenging periods in global international relations.
Did you know? Archbishop Gallagher previously visited Moscow in 2021, where he held talks with then-Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and the former head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s external relations department, Metropolitan Hilarion.
Engagements with the Local Catholic Community
Beyond state diplomacy, the visit highlights the pastoral dimensions of the Holy See’s foreign policy. According to Vatican News, Archbishop Gallagher will spend Thursday, August 27, with the local Catholic faithful. The day begins with gatherings for clergy, men and women religious, and members of consecrated life, culminating in Holy Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary in Moscow.
Later that day, the archbishop is scheduled to meet with Catholic bishops serving across the Russian Federation. The Catholic Church in Russia operates as a geographically dispersed minority. Its territorial structure comprises the Archdiocese of the Mother of God at Moscow, the Diocese of St. Clement at Saratov, the Diocese of the Transfiguration at Novosibirsk, and the Diocese of St. Joseph at Irkutsk.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Archbishop Gallagher arrive in Moscow?
According to Vatican News, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher arrived in Moscow on August 24 for a multi-day official visit concluding on August 28.
Which Russian officials is the Vatican diplomat scheduled to meet?
According to the Holy See, the itinerary includes meetings with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov, alongside representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate.
What is the primary focus of the Vatican delegation’s mission?
According to Vatican News, the core focus of the mission is dialogue and peace amidst severe global tensions in international relations.
Where will the Catholic Mass be celebrated during the visit?
According to Vatican News, Holy Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary in Moscow on August 27.
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