Vatican and Russian diplomats discuss ending war in Ukraine
Destroyed buildings in Kharkiv, 4 April 2025. Photo: Vatican News
On Friday, 4 April 2025, a telephone conversation took place between Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, and Sergey Lavrov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. According to the Vatican Press Office, the diplomats gave particular attention to the situation in Ukraine.
“The dialogue was dedicated to the overall picture of world politics, with particular attention to the situation of the war in Ukraine and some initiatives aimed at stopping the military actions,” the press release stated.
It was noted that the Vatican reaffirmed its readiness to continue its humanitarian effort I matters regarding the exchange of prisoners.
As previously reported by the UOJ, on 17 March 2025, the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, expressed hope that ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia would lead to a just and lasting peace.
Read also
Constantinople bishop: If the Church loses its Greek spirit, what will remain?
Archbishop Makarios of the Constantinople Church criticized the rector of an Australian parish for conducting half of the service in English.
Georgian Church Synod to present three candidates for Patriarchal throne
Georgian hierarchs will select candidates for the Patriarchal throne, after which the Extended Council will make the final decision.
Metropolitan Tychikos' lawyers respond to media accusations
The hierarch's lawyers called the television stories targeted harassment.
EU Court: Hungary's law protecting children from LGBT violates legislation
The European Court ruled that Hungary's ban on promoting LGBT ideology among minors contradicts "EU values".
Facts of persecution against UOC included in world's human rights report
The Amnesty International report points to pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and criticism from UN experts.
Pasika activist urges believers to join Uniates if they don't want to go to OCU
Choknadiy called on UOC believers to join the Greek Catholic Church, since they refuse to join the OCU.