The Holy See Press Office releases a communiqué to retrace Cardinal Matteo Zuppi’s two-day mission to Russia as Pope Francis’ envoy, and reports that “the results of the visit will be brought to the knowledge of the Holy Father, in view of further steps to be taken, both at the humanitarian le
vel and in the search for paths to peace.”
By Vatican News staff reporter
In a communiqué issued on Friday, the Holy See described the visit to Moscow from 28 to 30 June by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Holy Father’s Envoy, as a visit aimed at “identifying humanitarian initiatives that could open up paths to achieving peace”.
It further noted that “the Holy Father will be informed regarding the results of the visit in view of further steps to be taken, both at the humanitarian level and in the quest for paths to peace”.
The communiqué lists the meetings held by the cardinal, such as those with Yuri Ushakov, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation for Foreign Policy Affairs, and with Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner to the President of the Russian Federation for Children’s Rights.
“During these meetings,” the statement read, “the humanitarian aspect of the initiative was strongly emphasized, as well as the urgency to be able to attain that peace that is highly desired.”
In a brief visit to the Church of St Nicholas in Tolmachi, at the Tretyakov Gallery, Cardinal Zuppi, the text continues, “paused in prayer before the icon of Our Lady of Vladimir, to whom he entrusted his mission”.
The Pope’s envoy also had a “fruitful” meeting with Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’, to whom “he conveyed the Holy Father’s greetings and with whom he also discussed humanitarian initiatives that could facilitate a peaceful solution.”
The Cardinal, the Holy See communiqué concludes, “also met with the Bishops of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Russia, with whom, together with a large group of priests and in the presence of Ambassadors and Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he presided over a solemn concelebration in the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of the Mother of God, in Moscow. This was an opportunity to convey the Holy Father’s closeness, his remembrance of them, and prayers for the Catholic community.”
