BREAKING News Vatican's Top Diplomat in Russia says this War Must End but Not Through Military Means

Vatican Foreign Minister Demands End to War During Moscow Talks

Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday to press for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine and advocate for political negotiations. Archbishop Gallagher said, “the position of the Holy See is clear: the conflict cannot be resolved by military means.” Therefore, he stated, “it is essential to create the conditions for a political and diplomatic process.”

During the hour-long bilateral meeting at the Foreign Ministry’s representative office, the two diplomats discussed humanitarian initiatives, international stability, and the ongoing needs of the Catholic community in Russia. 

“To be clear,” Archbishop Gallagher said regarding the situation in Ukraine, “this war must end.” The number of casualties on both sides continues to rise steadily as a result of the hostilities, as does the suffering of civilian populations. “It is urgent and necessary,” the senior prelate reiterated, “to end the hostilities and plan future relations so as not to remain prisoners of the wrongs of the past” and to deprive hatred of oxygen.

Key Takeaways & Statements

• Call for Diplomacy: Citing Pope Leo XIV's appeal for peace, Archbishop Gallagher stressed that the conflict cannot be resolved by military means. He called on both nations to respect international humanitarian law regarding civilians, infrastructure, and prisoners of war, adding bluntly: "To be clear, this war must end."

• The Holy See’s commitment to peace 

• “Any concrete result in the humanitarian sphere,” the Secretary for Relations with States emphasized, “will help alleviate suffering and make it possible to restore a minimum level of trust between the parties to the conflict.” For its part, the Holy See, the Archbishop continued, is reiterating its determination to continue contributing to the creation of spaces for dialogue, strengthening humanitarian efforts and offering its “good offices” in pursuit of peace. Archbishop Gallagher also wished to recall the important role of churches and local ecclesial communities in assisting the most vulnerable, in a spirit of reconciliation.

• Humanitarian Cooperation: Foreign Minister Lavrov praised the Holy See’s commitment to peace and described the dialogue as "very useful." Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation on humanitarian efforts, pointing to Cardinal Matteo Zuppi’s upcoming mission to Russia as a key step toward rebuilding basic trust between the warring parties.

• Catholic Pastoral Care: The agenda included addressing the local administrative and pastoral needs of the Catholic Church operating within the Russian Federation.

• Ecumenical Relations: Following his talks with Lavrov, Archbishop Gallagher met with Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, to affirm ongoing, cordial inter-church dialogue amidst the regional crisis.