Will the Vatican choose a side? Putin aide urges Holy see to ‘take note’ of Kyiv's Church crackdown

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Holy See Secretary for Relations with States Paul Gallagher held talks in Moscow on August 25, discussing the war in Ukraine, humanitarian issues and the importance of diplomacy. Lavrov said Russia and the Vatican had maintained a “trusting, mutually respectful dialogue” despite global tensions and expressed hope for practical solutions. Gallagher said the world needs diplomacy more than ever and reiterated Pope Leo XIV’s call for an end to hostilities and authentic negotiations. The Vatican also highlighted humanitarian cooperation, including the return of children, prisoners of war, missing persons, family reunification and assistance to the wounded.