Vatican foreign minister meets Sergey Lavrov in Moscow to urge Ukraine peace talks

First ministerial talks since 2021

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican foreign minister formally designated as the Secretary for Relations with States, met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on 25 August 2026. The encounter represents the first in-person diplomatic meeting between Holy See and Russian officials since November 2021, prior to the February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Speaking at a joint press conference following their talks, the British-born prelate stated that the four-and-a-half-year war cannot be resolved through military means and urged both Moscow and Kyiv to show goodwill and openness to genuine negotiations. Gallagher reiterated that every additional day of hostilities results in further civilian casualties and makes future reconciliation between Russia and Ukraine increasingly difficult.

It is therefore urgent and necessary to end and to look beyond the conflict.

Humanitarian cooperation and mediation efforts

Humanitarian issues formed the core of the discussions in Moscow, specifically the repatriation of Ukrainian children to their families, medical assistance for the wounded, and reciprocal exchanges of prisoners of war. Gallagher emphasized that concrete progress on humanitarian files serves to construct a minimum baseline of trust between the warring parties. The Holy See reaffirmed its commitment to sustained diplomatic engagement, confirming that Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, will continue his mediation missions. Zuppi previously traveled to Moscow in the summer of 2023 and again in 2024 to facilitate child returns and humanitarian agreements.

Active neutrality and international law

During the discussions, Gallagher noted the Holy See's stance of active neutrality, emphasizing that diplomatic engagement must persist even during severe international breakdowns. In his opening remarks, the archbishop stated that dialogue is more critical than ever, expressing deep concern over the continuous rise in casualties as both militaries escalate long-range strikes. Gallagher insisted on strict adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilian populations. The talks also reflected recent appeals by Pope Leo, who warned on 9 August 2026 about the mounting number of civilian victims and reiterated the Catholic Church's readiness to provide spiritual, diplomatic, and humanitarian assistance.

Bilateral relations and Kremlin itinerary

Gallagher described the meeting with Lavrov as frank and constructive, noting that while substantial disagreements remain, several areas of convergence were identified. In addition to the war in Ukraine, the two diplomats discussed bilateral Holy See-Russia relations and security developments across other regions, including the Middle East. Lavrov commended the Vatican for maintaining a balanced stance and announced that the Russian government is prepared to resume regular political consultations at the deputy foreign minister level. Gallagher, who completed visits to Ukraine earlier in the summer of 2026, will continue his mission in Moscow through 28 August 2026, with planned engagements that include an appointment at the Kremlin confirmed by presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov.