In late September 2026, papal envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi will arrive in Moscow. He will meet with Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian president, to discuss the situation in Ukraine.
Purpose of Cardinal Zuppi's Visit
Cardinal Zuppi confirmed that the main purpose of his visit is to discuss humanitarian issues related to the war in Ukraine. However, according to Ushakov, political aspects will also be addressed. This visit is a continuation of the diplomatic efforts that the Vatican is undertaking in the region.
Previous Visits and Diplomatic Efforts
This is not Cardinal Zuppi's first visit to Moscow. In October 2024, he visited the Russian capital as part of a mission assigned to him by the late Pope Francis. At that time, the purpose of his visit was to facilitate the reunification of Ukrainian children with their families and the exchange of prisoners.
Interaction with the Vatican
It is worth noting that in late August 2026, Russia was also visited by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States. He met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and planned a meeting with Ushakov. Propaganda sources reported that the Vatican representative called for an end to the Russian-Ukrainian war.