Russia and Vatican Hold Talks in Moscow, Ukraine and Humanitarian Cooperation in Focus

Dragon Media News Desk

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, held high-level talks in Moscow on August 25.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the discussions covered the state of bilateral relations between Russia and the Holy See, the situation in Ukraine, humanitarian cooperation and a range of regional and international issues.

Particular attention was given to the conflict in Ukraine, where the Vatican has been involved in several humanitarian initiatives. Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s position that a lasting settlement requires addressing what Russia describes as the root causes of the crisis. He also criticized Western policies, arguing that they have contributed to prolonging the conflict.

The Russian side positively assessed the Vatican’s peace-oriented approach and expressed readiness to continue cooperation on humanitarian issues.

Lavrov said Russia was prepared to maintain close coordination with the Holy See on initiatives aimed at reuniting families separated by the conflict and facilitating exchanges of prisoners of war.

The two sides also discussed the protection of traditional spiritual and moral values and the situation of Christian communities in different parts of the world.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow and the Holy See also noted similarities in their approaches to some regional conflicts and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing broader global challenges.

The talks additionally covered issues arising from the rapid development of new technologies and artificial intelligence, including their social and ethical implications.

Gallagher is visiting Russia from August 24 to 28. During the visit, he is expected to meet Russian government officials, representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate and members of the Catholic community in Russia.

The Vatican has presented the visit as part of its broader diplomatic engagement focused on dialogue and peace.

As the war in Ukraine continues, direct communication between Russia and the Holy See remains an important channel, particularly on humanitarian matters where both sides have maintained practical cooperation.