Moscow ready to receive Vatican negotiator
Russian ambassador to the Vatican and Pope Francis. Photo: Vatican News
Russian Ambassador to the Vatican Ivan Soltanovsky told TASS that Pope Francis is ready to mediate in the war in Ukraine, but the West is preventing the resolution of the conflict.
He said that after the start of the SMO, Russian authorities received from the Vatican "a proposal to mediate in establishing a dialogue with the Ukrainian side". According to Soltanovsky, "the Holy See has taken a neutral and balanced position since the beginning of the war."
"We know that Pope Francis does not accept military action. We appreciate his efforts to establish a lasting and just peace," the Russian ambassador said.
He also told Moskovsky Komsomolets that Russian authorities are ready to receive Vatican negotiator Cardinal Matteo Zuppi in Moscow.
"If the case requires another visit of the Pope’s special envoy to Russia, such a possibility will be carefully considered. The doors in Moscow are open and the Vatican is aware of this," the diplomat said.
As earlier reported, Zelensky awarded two Vatican cardinals, including Matteo Zuppi.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.