Papal Envoy Concludes Visit to Moscow

The mission of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the envoy of Pope Francis to Moscow to identify "humanitarian initiatives that could open pathways to achieving peace regarding the Ukrainian crisis," has come to an end. A statement from the Vatican mentioned that the Pope "will be informed of the results of the visit in light of the additional steps that need to be taken, both on the humanitarian level and in exploring avenues for peace." Cardinal Zuppi, who is the President of the Italian Bishops' Conference, met with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia in a meeting considered the first of its kind with a representative of the Pope since the beginning of the Ukrainian crisis. During the meeting, both parties emphasized "the role that religions must play in favor of peace and justice," stressing the importance of uniting forces to prevent any large-scale conflict. Pope Francis had expressed his fear that the war in Ukraine may be "endless" just before the official announcement of the conclusion of the papal envoy's mission to Moscow.