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

"Parishioners" brought to Lavra by buses on Epifaniy's name day, media

People from different regions were brought in an organized manner to the "service" of the head of the OCU at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

Yermak consults fortune teller before important appointments, prosecutor says

Private correspondence with a fortune teller was found with the former head of the President's Office, in which he coordinated personnel decisions.

SBU searches home of Metropolitan Longin’s daughter

Law enforcement officers detained the hierarch's son-in-law, who has many children, and refused to allow a lawyer to participate in investigative actions at the family's private home.

Vienna hosts regional congress of Ukrainian Orthodox youth

Youth from seven European countries discussed the spiritual foundations of democracy and prayed for peace in Ukraine before a particle of the Life-Giving Cross.

Persecuted UOC community in Zadubrivka celebrates patronal feast

The faithful celebrated the Liturgy in a house church and held a water-blessing service at the site where a new church in honor of Venerable Amphilochius of Pochaiv is being built.

Thousands of faithful gather at Pochaiv Lavra for feast of St Amphilochius

The pilgrimage to the relics of Venerable Amphilochius of Pochaiv on his feast day is a long-standing tradition of the UOC.