- Papal envoy says Moscow visit focused on humanitarian issues, not peace plan

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the papal envoy, stated that his mission to Moscow regarding the Ukraine war was solely focused on humanitarian issues and did not involve any discussions about a peace plan. In May, Pope Francis had requested Zuppi, who is the head of the Italian bishops’ conference, to undertake a peace mission in an effort to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine. Zuppi held meetings with Yuri Ushakov, one of President Vladimir Putin’s advisers, and Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, during his visit to Moscow this week. He also visited Kyiv in June for talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Zuppi emphasized that all these meetings were significant, particularly in terms of humanitarian aspects, which were the main focus. He clarified that there was no peace plan or mediation involved. Zuppi expressed the hope that the violence would cease and that human lives, especially those of children, would be protected. He mentioned that he would be meeting with Pope Francis in the coming days to discuss the outcomes of his meetings. Pope Francis, while addressing a religious delegation from the Patriarch of Constantinople, acknowledged on Friday that there seemed to be no apparent end in sight to the war in Ukraine, as Zuppi concluded his three days of talks in Moscow. A Vatican statement released on the same day stated that the visit aimed to identify humanitarian initiatives that could pave the way for peace. Pope Francis has consistently called for an end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in the destruction of Ukrainian communities, numerous casualties, and the displacement of millions of people. During his Sunday blessing, Pope Francis urged pilgrims to continue praying for peace, especially for the Ukrainian people, even during the summer season.