Zuppi confirmed that preparations for the visit are underway, with the programme still being finalised. The trip is expected to take place in late September.
The planned mission comes after Zuppi’s previous visits to Moscow, including a trip in October 2024 that focused on issues such as family reunification, prisoner-of-war exchanges and prospects for dialogue aimed at ending the conflict.
Russian officials have indicated that humanitarian matters related to the war in Ukraine are expected to feature in discussions with the cardinal. The Vatican has maintained contacts with Moscow as part of efforts to keep diplomatic channels open and address humanitarian consequences of the conflict.
Zuppi, who also heads the Italian bishops’ conference, has been involved in the Vatican’s humanitarian diplomacy surrounding the war. His planned visit follows a recent Moscow mission by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organisations.
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