The Vatican’s Humanitarian Bridge Between Russia and Ukraine

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi has traveled to Russia to visit Ukrainian prisoners of war and discuss the return of missing persons and children. Two months after his previous trip to Ukraine, the peace envoy met with Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Church to discuss tensions between Russia and the West.

According to Rome Reports, Pope Leo XIV requested the meeting with Kirill, prompting the delegation to change its itinerary. The mission focuses on helping Ukrainian children who were taken to Russia or Belarus and facilitating the return of prisoners. Ukrainian Ambassador to the Holy See Andrii Yurash stated that Zuppi has urged officials to accelerate necessary checks for these individuals.

Pope Leo XIV has chosen to continue the peace mission originally entrusted to Zuppi by Pope Francis in 2023. Zuppi's work involves maintaining contact between parties as political channels remain closed due to the war.