On September 27, 2026, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the special envoy of the Pope, begins his visit to Russia, where he plans to meet with representatives of the Russian authorities until September 30. This visit is part of the Vatican's efforts to address the conflict in Ukraine, particularly in the humanitarian sphere.
Purpose of Cardinal Zuppi's Visit
The main purpose of Cardinal Zuppi's visit is to discuss several important humanitarian issues, including:
- the return of children who were taken from conflict zones;
- the exchange of prisoners;
- the problems faced by the civilian population affected by the conflict.
Zuppi noted that Pope Leo XIV personally oversees his mission, highlighting the significance of this visit for the Vatican. He also hopes to discuss ways to overcome the difficulties faced by the parties involved in the conflict.
Previous Visits and Their Significance
This visit by Cardinal Zuppi marks the second recent visit by a high-ranking Vatican official to Moscow. Previously, from August 24 to 28, the head of the Vatican's diplomatic service, Paul Gallagher, visited the Russian capital. According to Zuppi, Gallagher's visit serves as an important benchmark for the international community and may facilitate the initiation of a negotiation process.
It is noteworthy that during Gallagher's visit to Moscow, CIA Director John Ratcliffe was also present, indicating the heightened interest of international players in the situation in Ukraine and potential pathways for resolution.