Cardinal Matteo Zuppi conducts humanitarian mission to Russia

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the papal envoy, has concluded a three-day mission to Russia aimed at addressing humanitarian issues stemming from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. During his visit, Zuppi met with Kremlin foreign policy officer Yuri Ushakov and other Russian officials to discuss prospects for a settlement, prisoner of war exchanges, and the status of displaced children.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Zuppi was permitted to visit Ukrainian prisoners of war, where he reportedly observed that Russia is following relevant humanitarian standards. The mission follows recent appeals from Pope Leo XIV, who has called for both nations to engage in dialogue to end the war and has criticized rhetoric regarding the use of nuclear weapons.

Zuppi also discussed the situation in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in Ukraine’s Kherson region. While the Russian Foreign Ministry claimed Ukraine is blocking supplies to the town, Ukrainian officials have stated that Russian forces are preventing residents from leaving. This visit marks Zuppi’s third mission to Russia as a peace envoy, continuing the Holy See’s efforts to mediate humanitarian concerns.