Vatican Envoy Calls for Urgent End to Ukraine War

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s foreign minister, called for an urgent end to the war in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. Gallagher stated that the ongoing conflict creates new victims daily and complicates future reconciliation.

He described the cessation of hostilities as “urgent and necessary” and highlighted the importance of addressing humanitarian issues, particularly for children affected by the war. This meeting was significant as it marked the first in-person discussions between senior Vatican and Russian officials in five years.

Gallagher and Lavrov explored potential pathways to peace and agreed to collaborate on humanitarian efforts. The Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fifth year, has resulted in substantial civilian casualties and ongoing attacks on communities.

Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for an end to violence and respect for international humanitarian law. Gallagher's visit is part of the Vatican's broader diplomatic strategy to maintain communication channels and seek avenues for conflict resolution.