Moscow: Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Holy See’s special envoy for humanitarian issues, has begun a three day mission to Moscow focused on humanitarian concerns linked to the war in Ukraine, particularly prisoners of war and children separated from their families.
The president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference is visiting Russia from September 28 to 30 for a series of institutional meetings with Russian officials. This is his third mission to Moscow, following visits in June 2023 and October 2024.
The latest visit follows Cardinal Zuppi’s mission to Ukraine in July, when he also visited camps holding Russian prisoners of war in the Lviv region. His current discussions in Moscow are expected to address concerns raised by both Ukrainian and Russian sides.
Cardinal Zuppi said his meetings with Russian officials were scheduled across Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. He said the humanitarian mission was initially entrusted to him by Pope Francis and later confirmed by Pope Leo XIV.
The cardinal said his work includes supporting efforts related to children transferred away from their places of origin, prisoner exchanges and difficulties faced by civilians because of the conflict. He said the Holy See was considering requests from both sides as part of an existing dialogue.
Cardinal Zuppi also stressed the importance of continuing that dialogue while recognising the suffering caused by the war. The humanitarian efforts, he said, seek to contribute to ending the conflict.
The mission follows a visit to Russia in late August by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations. Archbishop Gallagher had also travelled to Ukraine in July before visiting Russia.
The Holy See’s diplomatic and humanitarian efforts have continued to focus on the effects of the war on civilians, prisoners of war and children separated from their families. Cardinal Zuppi’s latest visit continues contacts established during his previous missions to Moscow and Kyiv, with the aim of supporting humanitarian initiatives and maintaining communication between the parties.