Vatican foreign minister, in Moscow, says Ukraine war must end

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Vatican Diplomat Concludes Moscow Mission to Push for Ukraine Peace

   Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher completed a five-day mission to Moscow from August 24 to 28 to advocate for dialogue and humanitarian assistance in the Ukraine war. Gallagher stated that diplomacy offers a possible solution to the conflict. While the Holy See continues its long-term engagement via the Russian Embassy and Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Giovanni d'Aniello, the Kremlin maintains that conditions for negotiations are not currently met. This diplomatic effort coincided with an unannounced visit to Moscow by CIA Director John Ratcliffe on August 25.

   Why it matters

   The Vatican is attempting to maintain a neutral channel for peace negotiations while Russia faces increasing tensions over Western-supplied weapons. This mission reflects the Pope's blessing to pursue a diplomatic resolution. The intersection of religious and intelligence missions in Moscow highlights the high stakes of avoiding further escalation.

   What is confirmed

   • Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher visited Moscow from August 24 to 28.
   • Gallagher met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
   • The Holy See seeks dialogue and humanitarian assistance to end the war in Ukraine.
   • Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia remains open to talks but conditions for them do not exist.

   Still unconfirmed

   • CIA Director John Ratcliffe privately warned the Kremlin to avoid escalating the conflict during an unannounced visit on August 25.

   What to watch next

   • Official Kremlin response to the Vatican's humanitarian assistance offers.
   • Confirmation of the purpose and outcome of CIA Director John Ratcliffe's Moscow visit.
   • Potential for renewed negotiating groups in Istanbul as mentioned by Dmitry Peskov.
   Sources used for this update (10)

   1. tass.com — Top Vatican diplomat says his visit to Moscow underscores commitment to dialogue
   2. tass.com — Russia still open to talks on Ukraine, but there are no conditions for them — Kremlin
   3. www.europesays.com — CIA and Vatican visits converge in Moscow amid rising tensions over Ukraine. Claire Giangravè reports for Religion News Service.
   4. www.europesays.com — Archbishop Gallagher: The Holy See pursues a diplomacy that believes in peace
   5. thecatholicherald.com — Archbishop Gallagher reflects on ‘difficult dialogue’ with Lavrov
   6. tass.com — Technological independence in passenger cars in Russia to reach 80% by 2030
   7. tass.com — Kiev doing everything possible to deteriorate situation at Zaporozhye NPP — Rosatom
   8. www.thetablet.co.uk — ‘Diplomacy is the road to follow’ says Gallagher after Moscow visit
   9. www.ilfoglio.it — Dialogue, not a blessing. The Vatican’s approach to Russia
   10. tass.com — Putin urges students to believe in themselves in Knowledge Day message
   confidence 90%
2. 1d ago

   Vatican foreign minister urges end to Ukraine war in Moscow talks

   Vatican's Archbishop Paul Gallagher met with Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, to push for a diplomatic end to the Ukraine war. Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergey Koretsky reported critical infrastructure damage in several regions. Meanwhile, Russia threatened to strike British military sites in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory with UK-supplied weapons.

   Why it matters

   The Vatican's diplomatic effort aims to maintain open communication channels with Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. European leaders are also engaging with Ukraine, with some visiting Kyiv. The situation remains tense, with concerns about potential escalation and involvement of other countries.

   What is confirmed

   • Critical infrastructure seriously damaged in several regions of Ukraine
   • Poland does not plan to host nuclear warheads
   • Russia threatened to strike British military sites in response to Ukrainian attacks

   Still unconfirmed

   • Trump said Putin will not strike NATO territory

   What to watch next

   • Further escalation of the conflict
   • Vatican's continued diplomatic efforts
   • International community's response to Russia's threats
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. tass.com — Critical infrastructure seriously damaged in several regions of Ukraine — prime minister
   2. tass.com — Poland not planning to host nuclear warheads, deputy defense minister says
   3. jen.jiji.com — Russian threats to London. Trump: "Putin will not strike NATO territory"
   4. tass.com — Intelligence works 'in silence', Yerevan’s claims stir emotions: Lavrov’s statements
   5. tass.com — Top Iranian diplomat says returning to talks with US possible
   6. tass.com — Russia fights for its present and future — Putin
   7. tass.com — In Nepal 184 tourists rescued — Tourism Board
   8. tass.com — Merz to impose separate sanctions against Russia ahead of elections to harm competitors
   9. tass.com — Ukrainian forces attack Donetsk primarily with Western-made missiles - DPR head
   10. tass.com — Niger’s military thanks Russia’s Africa Corps for assistance in suppressing mutiny
   11. www.vaticannews.va — Archbishop Gallagher: The Holy See pursues a diplomacy that believes in peace
   confidence 85%
3. 5d ago

   Vatican Foreign Minister Urges Russia to End Ukraine War

   Archbishop Paul Gallagher visited Moscow to call for an end to the war in Ukraine through political and diplomatic processes rather than military means. Gallagher met with Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, to advocate for negotiations supported by the international community. The visit aims to maintain open communication channels between the Vatican and Russia. This diplomatic effort occurs as other European leaders travel to Kyiv.

   Why it matters

   The Vatican maintains a policy of quiet diplomacy to mediate the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Archbishop Gallagher serves as the Holy See's top diplomat. These talks represent a continuing effort by the papacy to seek a peaceful resolution to the war.

   What is confirmed

   • Archbishop Paul Gallagher visited Moscow to discuss the conflict in Ukraine.
   • Gallagher stated that the war must end.
   • The Vatican diplomat met with Sergey Lavrov.
   • Gallagher urged Russian authorities to begin negotiations with international community assistance.
   • The Vatican maintains that the conflict should be resolved through diplomatic and political processes.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Pope Leo hopes the envoy's quiet diplomacy will stop the bombs in Ukraine.

   What to watch next

   • Official Russian response to the Vatican's call for negotiations
   • Further diplomatic meetings between the Holy See and Ukrainian officials
   • Confirmation of specific terms proposed during the Moscow talks
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. Vatican News — Archbishop Gallagher begins visit to Russia
   2. Crux | Taking the Catholic Pulse — Vatican’s ‘Foreign Minister’ in Russia for talks
   3. OSV News — Vatican’s top diplomat begins visit to Russia as European leaders flock to Kyiv
   4. Euronews.com — Keeping communication channels open: Vatican's top diplomat visits Moscow
   5. Reuters — Vatican foreign minister, in Moscow, says Ukraine war must end
   6. Vatican News — Archbishop Gallagher in Moscow: Diplomacy and dialogue in pursuit of peace
   7. The Moscow Times — Senior Vatican Official Calls for Peace in Ukraine After Meeting With Lavrov in Moscow
   8. Rome Reports — The Vatican Foreign Minister in Russia: "This War Must End"
   9. EWTN News — Vatican foreign minister meets with officials in Russia to discuss Ukraine conflict
   10. Vatican News — Archbishop Gallagher in Moscow: The war must end
   11. The Times — Pope Leo hopes envoy’s quiet diplomacy will stop the bombs in Ukraine
   12. catholicreview.org — ‘Let us be clear: this war must end,’ Archbishop Gallagher tells Russian authorities in Moscow
   confidence 100%