Moscow ready to receive Vatican negotiator
Russian ambassador to the Vatican and Pope Francis. Photo: Vatican News
Russian Ambassador to the Vatican Ivan Soltanovsky told TASS that Pope Francis is ready to mediate in the war in Ukraine, but the West is preventing the resolution of the conflict.
He said that after the start of the SMO, Russian authorities received from the Vatican "a proposal to mediate in establishing a dialogue with the Ukrainian side". According to Soltanovsky, "the Holy See has taken a neutral and balanced position since the beginning of the war."
"We know that Pope Francis does not accept military action. We appreciate his efforts to establish a lasting and just peace," the Russian ambassador said.
He also told Moskovsky Komsomolets that Russian authorities are ready to receive Vatican negotiator Cardinal Matteo Zuppi in Moscow.
"If the case requires another visit of the Pope’s special envoy to Russia, such a possibility will be carefully considered. The doors in Moscow are open and the Vatican is aware of this," the diplomat said.
As earlier reported, Zelensky awarded two Vatican cardinals, including Matteo Zuppi.
Read also
In Pasika, Transcarpathia, priest defects to OCU while community remains in UOC
In the village of Paseka in Transcarpathia, believers discussed the future fate of their church.
In Sumy, Presentation Church of UOC damaged by shelling
In the Sumy Eparchy, the walls and fence of the Presentation Church were damaged as a result of shelling, but divine services continue.
Ukraine loses almost 98% of cases at European Court of Human Rights
According to the ECtHR’s 2025 report, nearly all complaints against Ukraine end with findings of human rights violations.
UOC Chancellor on Kyiv Council decision targeting UOC: Obvious lawlessness
Metropolitan Anthony said the document adopted by the Kyiv Regional Council violates the Constitution, interferes with freedom of religion, and exceeds the body’s authority.
In Finland, Constantinopolitan Church hierarch convicted of fraud
A Finnish court found the former archbishop of the Constantinople Patriarchate guilty of manipulating state subsidies and committing financial violations.
His Beatitude: Pure faith is the only path to soul salvation
On the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, the Primate of the UOC urged the faithful not to tailor faith to human reasoning and passions, and reminded them of the significance of the Ecumenical Councils.