The mission of the pope’s envoy to the Ukraine crisis continues to unfold. The latest events follow the recent Wagner uprising, whose unpredictable fallout still unsettled Moscow, yet did not derail ongoing efforts for the time being. The developments began in the same Moscow scene where Matteo Zuppi, the Italian cardinal, has been directing attention from the Vatican.
The Vatican announced that Zuppi would travel to the Russian capital, accompanied by an official from the Vatican State Secretariat. He is scheduled to stay today and tomorrow, with questions lingering about whether he will secure a meeting with President Vladimir Putin after the discussions he held with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this month. In line with customary caution, the Vatican noted interest in any potential talks that could advance humanitarian dialogue and contribute toward alleviating the current tragic situation.
A Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, confirmed that Zuppi would meet with Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s top political adviser, underscoring the focus on dialogue rather than friction. The visit is framed as part of a broader effort to facilitate channels for peace and to explore ways to reduce the pain suffered by civilians amid the conflict.
another objective
Beyond dialogue, the Vatican has stated that Zuppi’s aim includes identifying pathways to help achieve a just peace. Moscow has shown cautious interest in the mission, with Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko noting the visit as a potential opportunity for constructive engagement. The trip follows a recent convergence with President Lula da Silva of Brazil, who offered to mediate in the crisis, reflecting a wider international interest in resolving the war.
As Kiev observes these diplomatic efforts, the Vatican has also mobilized humanitarian support on the ground. Konrad Krajewski, the pope’s charity representative, has long traveled to the region to raise funds and provide essential aid. Since the start of the war, he has visited multiple Ukrainian cities, including Drohobych, Odesa, and Kherson, distributing food, medicines, and vital supplies to civilians in need. His latest schedule envisions continued work in Kyiv and a planned stop in Lviv, with the aim of sustaining relief operations amid ongoing tensions.