Diplomatic relations between Rome and Moscow could be beginning to thaw after a Russian diplomat welcomed the Vatican's mediation efforts to achieve peace. It is the first time since the war broke out in Ukraine that a Russian official has publicly commented on the Vatican's attempts for dialogue.
Speaking to Ria Novosti news agency, Alexei Paramonov, head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's first European department, stressed Russian authorities' support in establishing a sincere and trusting dialogue for various issues, primarily those related to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.
Paramonov explained that 'All the Holy See's and Pope Francis' initiatives for peace in Europe inspire great respect and may be welcomed under certain circumstances.'
At the moment, there has been no official response from the Vatican, and, for now, the latest news of Putin and Pope Francis was published by the Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera in early May. The newspaper reported that the last time the Pope spoke with Putin was 'in December' and that the Pope is willing to go to Kyiv, knowing that 'first he would have to go to Moscow,' though he is still waiting for an invitation from the Kremlin.
RG
TR: KG
