The second phase of the Vatican's peace mission in Moscow continues with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi representing Pope Francis.
On the first day of the two day trip, the Cardinal met with the Kremlin's foreign policy adviser and discussed the situation in Ukraine. Russian news agency, Interfax, reported the country's “appreciation” for the Pope's efforts in finding a solution for the situation in Ukraine.
On the second day in Moscow, Cardinal Zuppi met with the Commissioner for Children's Rights to address the issue of the 19,000 Ukrainian minors deported to Russia.
In the afternoon, the Cardinal met with Patriarch Kirill, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, who echoed this gratitude for the Vatican's aid. Their conversation focused on the joint work of the Churches 'to serve the cause of peace and justice.'
They also discussed the need for 'all the forces of the world'' to unite ''to prevent a major armed conflict.' This reiterated the words Pope Francis shared with the Patriarch in a videocall just one month after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Russian Orthodox Metropolitan Antonij of Volokolamsk, Chairman of Moscow's Department of External Church Relations, was also present at the meeting.
This was the first meeting between a papal representative and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church since the beginning of the conflict.
Following the audience, Cardinal Zuppi celebrated Mass at the Salesian Cathedral of the Mother of God in Moscow and greeted the Catholic community.
KG
