The Vatican's equivalent of foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, has called for an end to Russia's war against Ukraine at a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday.
"Let us be clear: This war must end," Gallagher said, standing alongside Lavrov.
"The Holy See continues to follow with deep concern the war in Ukraine and deplores the sufferings of the innocent," Gallagher said. "After more than four years of hostilities, the conflict continues to expand, the number of victims continues to grow, many families remain divided, and the material and psychological consequences of the conflict affect millions of people in Ukraine and Russia."
"The conflict cannot be resolved by militarily means: It is essential to create the conditions for a serious political and diplomatic process," Gallagher said.
The cleric called for the start of "authentic negotiations with the support of the international community" and stressed that Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican were ready to offer their services.
He appealed to Kiev and Moscow to show openness to dialogue, warning that the longer the conflict lasted, the harder it would be to reach a solution and a reconciliation. The suffering of millions had to stop, he said.
Gallagher and Lavrov said that despite differing views on many issues, there were also areas of common ground.
Lavrov said Moscow was ready to resume political consultations with Ukraine at deputy foreign minister level.
He praised the Vatican's position on the Ukraine conflict as balanced and said Moscow also valued the Holy See's role in resolving some difficult humanitarian issues.
Gallagher, whose official title is secretary for relations with states and international organizations, is often described as its foreign minister.
His last visit to Russia was in November 2021. The British-born archbishop has also visited Ukraine several times, most recently in July.
According to the Vatican's official news portal Vatican News, Gallagher's is "a mission focused on dialogue and peace."
"The schedule confirms the Holy See's determination to continue along the path of dialogue, even at one of the most difficult moments in international relations at the global level," Vatican News reported.
Gallagher also has an appointment at the Kremlin.
The Vatican has condemned Russia's war against Ukraine while at the same time seeking to maintain dialogue with Moscow. After the outbreak of the war, Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi visited Russia in June 2023, working to secure the return of prisoners of war and Ukrainian children and young people.