VATICAN, August 24. /TASS/. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, is to make a significant visit to Moscow, signaling a renewed phase of official diplomatic engagement. Don Stefano Caprio, an associate professor at the Pontifical Oriental Institute and a renowned expert on the Russian world, shared his insights with TASS, emphasizing the importance of this development.
"This trip is highly significant; it marks the first official visit since 2021," Don Caprio explained. "In recent years, diplomatic relations have been more informal, often conducted through special representatives such as Cardinal Matteo Zuppi for Ukraine. Now, we are seeing a return to full-fledged official diplomacy." He further elaborated that the agenda extends beyond humanitarian mediation to encompass critical issues in the Middle East, Africa, and Ukraine. "There is a clear commitment to seeking solutions across these regions, and previous efforts have laid the groundwork for meaningful dialogue," he added. Don Caprio also recalled the initiatives proposed by Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIII for the Catholic Church to serve as a mediator or platform for negotiations. While Russia has rejected such a platform, he noted that this does not equate to a rejection of dialogue altogether. "The Holy See continues to play a moral role, fostering an environment conducive to diplomacy," he remarked.
