Cardinal Zuppi to negotiate prisoner exchange in Moscow

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi is in Moscow for a three-day mission to negotiate prisoner exchanges and address the situation of children moved from their home territories. The special envoy of the Pope is scheduled to meet with Russian officials from Monday through Wednesday to support humanitarian efforts between Russia and Ukraine.

Zuppi told the Tass news agency that he is examining all requests made by both sides to help resolve issues involving prisoners and children. This mission follows a trip to Ukraine in July, where he visited soldier detention camps in the Lviv region. This visit to Moscow marks Zuppi's third trip to the country, following previous visits in June 2023 and October 2024.

The cardinal, who also serves as the president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, noted that his mandate was initially given by Pope Francis and later confirmed by Pope Leo XIV. This diplomatic effort follows a high-level trip to Russia by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher in late August.