War must end: Pope’s diplomat to Lavrov
Moscow: The Vatican’s equivalent of foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, has called for an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine at a meeting with Russian Foreign Min...
In a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday, Pope's official diplomat Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher urged an end to Russia's war against Ukraine, stating bluntly, "Let us be clear: This war must end." The Vatican representative expressed deep concern for the conflict's ongoing impact, noting that it had been raging for over four years, causing a growing number of casualties, family divisions, and devastating material and psychological consequences for millions of people in both Ukraine and Russia.
Gallagher emphasized that the conflict could not be resolved through military means and called for the establishment of favorable conditions for a genuine political and diplomatic process. He urged the start of "authentic negotiations with the support of the international community" and emphasized that Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican were prepared to offer their assistance.
Gallagher urged Kiev and Moscow to demonstrate willingness to engage in dialogue, warning that prolonging the conflict would only make a solution and reconciliation more difficult.
Despite their differing viewpoints on numerous matters, Gallagher and Lavrov acknowledged the existence of shared areas of common ground. Lavrov disclosed that Russia was prepared to resume political consultations with Ukraine at the deputy foreign minister level.
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