Following the Wagner Group's aborted mutiny, the Vatican's peace envoy, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, embarked on a mission to Moscow this week to engage with Russian officials and explore avenues for peace in Ukraine. The Vatican confirmed the visit in a press release, stating that Cardinal Zuppi, the Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Episcopal Conference, is leading the initiative. The primary goal of the mission is to foster humanitarian actions that could contribute to resolving the ongoing conflict and establishing a just peace. This visit to Moscow follows Cardinal Zuppi's earlier diplomatic trip to Kyiv, Ukraine. While Russian officials have expressed a willingness to consider the Vatican's peace efforts, they have also pointed to the absence of concrete actions. The Russian foreign ministry previously acknowledged the Holy See's genuine desire for peace but emphasized the need for practical steps to organize a visit to Moscow. Pope Francis has consistently offered his services as a mediator for peace between Russia and Ukraine since the invasion began. He has met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Vatican City, collaborated with the Ukrainian government to support displaced children, and hosted discussions with Russian Orthodox Church leaders. Cardinal Zuppi brings significant experience to this role, having previously negotiated peace agreements during the Mozambique civil war.
