Key facts
- Papal envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi plans to visit Russia in late September.
- The visit will focus on humanitarian issues related to the Ukraine conflict.
- Zuppi will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov.
- Topics will include family reunification and prisoner of war exchanges.
- Zuppi previously visited Moscow in October 2024 for similar discussions.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, a papal envoy and head of the Italian bishops conference, is scheduled to visit Russia in late September for discussions on humanitarian issues stemming from the conflict in Ukraine. The visit was confirmed by Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who stated that the talks would specifically address matters related to Ukraine. These discussions are expected to cover family reunification and prisoner of war exchanges, building on Zuppi's previous diplomatic efforts.
Zuppi last visited Moscow in October 2024, engaging in similar talks aimed at fostering dialogue and exploring prospects for ending the war. He has also held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv as part of the Vatican's ongoing humanitarian diplomacy.