diplomacyTuesday, August 25, 202613 sources

Vatican Envoy Paul Richard Gallagher Urges Russia to End Ukraine War, Calls for Negotiations with International Support

Vatican Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Paul Richard Gallagher met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, urging an end to the Ukraine war and calling for negotiations supported by the international community. Russia expressed willingness to resume diplomatic talks at the deputy foreign minister level. Both sides agreed to maintain an open communication channel.

Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on August 25, 2026. Gallagher emphasized the need to end the war in Ukraine and called for negotiations backed by the international community. The Vatican expressed 'deep concern' about the conflict and stated that Pope Leo XIV is 'monitoring the situation and calling for the cessation of hostile actions and international community support.'

Timelines

Sources

IndependentThe Dong-a IlboAug 26, 05:55 AM
Vatican Envoy Proposes Mediation for End of Russia-Ukraine War, Urges Negotiations

The Vatican envoy urged an end to the Russia-Ukraine war on Tuesday (local time), stating the Vatican's intention to support dialogue and negotiations. Russia stated it is prepared to resume diplomatic talks at the level of deputy foreign ministers. According to Anadolu news agency, Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, said after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow that the Vatican is willing to provide a 'forum for dialogue.' Gallagher said, 'We hope for peace to be achieved as soon as possible, and we will take all possible measures to engage in mediation.' The meeting was assessed as 'discussing several issues including the Russia-Ukraine war' and 'honest and constructive.' It was also noted that both sides had 'significant differences and several important points of contact,' and agreed that 'it is necessary to keep an open communication channel.' He particularly expressed 'deep concern' about the Russia-Ukraine war and stated that Pope Leo XIV is 'monitoring the situation and calling for the cessation of hostile actions and international community support.'

IndependentEl ComercioAug 25, 07:09 PM
Vatican Envoy Calls on Russia to End War in Ukraine

Paul Richard Gallagher asked Russia to end the war in Ukraine and called for initiating negotiations with support from the international community.

StateTASSAug 25, 05:52 PM
Russia ready to resume political consultations with Vatican — Lavrov - tass.com

Russia ready to resume political consultations with Vatican — Lavrov  tass.com

IndependentinfobaeAug 25, 05:17 PM
Vatican Envoy Calls on Russia to End the War
StateTASSAug 25, 04:13 PM
Russia, Vatican maintain trustworthy relations — Foreign Minister Lavrov - tass.com

Russia, Vatican maintain trustworthy relations — Foreign Minister Lavrov  tass.com

WireSputnikAug 25, 03:19 PM
Russia, Vatican Manage to Keep Faithful, Trustful Dialogue - Lavrov

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia and the Vatican have managed to maintain a faithful and trustful dialogue despite the events in the world, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.

IndependentIzvestiaAug 25, 02:18 PM
Lavrov stated that Russia and the Vatican have maintained a substantive dialogue

Russia and the Vatican have managed to maintain a substantive and respectful dialogue despite all the problems of the modern world. This was stated on August 25 by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a meeting with Paul Richard Gallagher, the head of the Vatican's diplomatic service. "Despite all the disturbances on our planet, we have managed to maintain a trusting, mutually respectful dialogue with the Vatican, which allows us to seek, I hope, positive and implementable solutions," his words are quoted by "RIA Novosti."

IndependentLentaAug 25, 01:56 PM
Lavrov held talks with the Vatican's secretary
StateTASSAug 25, 07:10 AM
Lavrov, top Vatican diplomat to hold first Moscow talks since start of special op - tass.com

Lavrov, top Vatican diplomat to hold first Moscow talks since start of special op  tass.com