The visit to Russia was aimed at “identifying humanitarian initiatives that could open up paths to achieving peace”.
“Yes, I have reported to the Pope” on the mission in Moscow, the papal envoy told reporters.
Zuppi also said his mission to the Russian capital focused in particular on the issue of deported Ukrainian children.
“We hope to start with the youngest, with those who are most fragile,” said the cardinal.
On the next steps, Zuppi said, “we need to set up a mechanism and do what is possible as quickly as possible”.
During his time in the Russian capital last week Zuppi met with Moscow’s ombudswoman for children’s rights Maria Lvova-Belova and twice with President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, among others.
“During these meetings, the humanitarian aspect of the initiative was strongly emphasised, as well as the urgency to be able to attain that peace that is highly desired,” said the Holy See.
For his part, Ushakov said in an interview to Interfax news agency after the second meeting with Zuppi that their discussion has been “useful for both sides”.
“No specific ideas were put forward, but it was clearly suggested that the Vatican sees a logical field for its efforts.
“These are humanitarian affairs, an exchange of detained civilians, issues related to the relocation of children, and other matters of this kind,” said the presidential aide.
The papal envoy “demonstrated the aspiration - and this is very important - to depoliticise all humanitarian affairs and expressed a sincere wish to help people in distress”.
“We support such sentiments of the papal representative in principle,” added Ushakov, saying he noted at the meeting that Moscow “appreciates the balanced and impartial stance of the Vatican”.
Cardinal Zuppi’s mission to Moscow came on the heels of a similar mission to Kyiv in early June, when he met with representatives of the civil and religious authorities and with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
ANSA
