Moscow: Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher has urged the Catholic Church in Russia to strengthen its work for peace, dialogue and unity, encouraging priests, religious men and women and bishops to become builders of bridges in their daily lives.
Gallagher, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, made the appeal at the end of his visit to Moscow, where he met members of the Catholic community and celebrated Mass with the Catholic bishops of Russia at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
During his meeting with clergy and consecrated persons, Gallagher expressed gratitude for their pastoral, educational and charitable service, particularly their work in difficult circumstances. He also praised their efforts to strengthen communion within the Church and promote dialogue with other Christians.
He conveyed the affectionate greetings of Pope Leo XIV to the priests and consecrated persons gathered for the meeting.
Gallagher recalled the Christian call to holiness received through Baptism, saying that this call is expressed through each person's vocation and a life of charity. He stressed that the Church grows through authentic witnesses who make the Gospel visible through their lives.
He also highlighted the importance of communion and unity, saying that Christian witness becomes more credible and fruitful when believers live in unity.
Speaking about pastoral service, Gallagher referred to Pope Francis' call to walk with people by leading when necessary, supporting them along the way and ensuring that no one is left behind. He stressed that this journey should be made together, with a willingness to help one another, seek forgiveness and forgive others.
Gallagher also pointed to dialogue as an important part of the Church's mission. He said this includes engagement with other Churches and Christian communities, other religions and people who do not share the Christian faith.
Referring to Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica humanitas and the motto In Illo uno unum, Gallagher said dialogue should not require Christians to abandon their identity. Instead, he said, it should involve a respectful openness to the truth and gifts found in others.
The Archbishop placed particular emphasis on the Church's role as a peacemaker and builder of bridges. He recalled Pope Leo XIV's call for a disarmed and disarming peace that is humble and persistent.
Gallagher said building a bridge means recognising the divisions, hatred and misunderstandings between people while refusing to believe that such differences cannot be overcome.
He later presided over Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, concelebrating with Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Giovanni d'Aniello, Nunciature Counselor Monsignor Mislav Hodzic, Bishop Joseph Werth, Apostolic Administrator Bishop Nikolai Dubinin and Bishop Stephan Lipke.
In his homily, Gallagher conveyed Pope Leo XIV's encouragement to the Catholic community in the Russian Federation to continue its journey of faith with greater enthusiasm.
He returned to the theme of peace, noting that Catholics from different countries, cultures and histories were gathered in Moscow as one family united by their faith in God.
Gallagher said living the Gospel also means working together for the common good through dialogue and peace. He described authentic dialogue as an encounter that does not erase a person's identity, but brings people together.
He also stressed that service to poor, sick and suffering people can cross religious boundaries. Through such service, he said, Christians can help build understanding, heal wounds and bring people closer through forgiveness and kindness.
At the end of his visit, Gallagher also met with the Catholic bishops of Russia for a fraternal meal at the Archdiocesan Curia. He encouraged the bishops to continue their pastoral mission with renewed enthusiasm.