War must end: Pope’s diplomat to Lavrov

Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican's foreign minister, met with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on August 25, marking the first face-to-face discussions between the two nations since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Following the talks, Gallagher and Lavrov held a joint press conference, where the Vatican representative called for an end to the war and acknowledged significant differences between Moscow and the Holy See.

Gallagher emphasized that each day the conflict persists, it generates new victims and hampers future reconciliation between Kyiv and Moscow. During their discussions, the diplomats explored possible paths toward peace and agreed to collaborate on humanitarian issues, including aid for children impacted by the war, according to Gallagher.

Lavrov stated they had a productive conversation and expressed gratitude for the Vatican's balanced stance on Ukraine. The Kremlin's stance on the war largely revolves around Russia's perceived right to the territory and refusal to accept a ceasefire. Archibishop Gallagher had previously traveled to Ukraine in July, visiting the location of a Russian missile strike in Kyiv that resulted in over 20 fatalities, including children.

He also met with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who expressed gratitude for the Vatican's solidarity with Ukraine and consistent support for peace. The envoy's visit to Russia is ongoing until August 28, during which he is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov. The Vatican has been instrumental in mediating efforts to repatriate Ukrainian children forcibly deported by Russia, an issue that has come up in past talks between Pope Leo and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Pope Leo has consistently advocated for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, previously labeling Russia's invasion as imperialist and a territorial expansion for power.