Vatican diplomacy
Cardinal Parolin brings Pope Francis’ message for peace to South Sudan
By Claire Giangravé — August 16, 2023
(RNS) — Cardinal Pietro Parolin is in South Sudan, which has been ravaged by a bloody civil war, bringing the pope’s message for peace.
Pope Francis’ ‘peace offensive’ in Ukraine puts dialogue over demonization
By Claire Giangravé — August 4, 2023
(RNS) — Keeping channels for dialogue open with the Kremlin, Pope Francis has bucked the Western world's refusal to take a mediated approach to ending the Ukraine war.
Vatican and Vietnam agree to open resident Holy See office in Hanoi, as relations improve
By Nicole Winfield — July 28, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Vietnam formally agreed Thursday to let a Vatican representative live in the country and open an office, a notching up of relations that could have implications down the line for the Holy See’s delicate ties with China.
Cardinal says the pope’s visit to Mongolia’s tiny Catholic community will show his dedication
By Nicole Winfield — July 19, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Francis’ Aug. 31-Sept. 4 visit will take him to a country sandwiched between China and Russia at a time of Vatican tensions with both
Biden to meet with pope’s Ukraine peace envoy, with the plight of children top of cardinal’s agenda
By Nicole Winfield and Zeke Miller — July 19, 2023
ROME (AP) — White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed Biden would meet with Zuppi on Tuesday to “discuss the widespread suffering caused by Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine."
Catholics and Orthodox join forces for peace amid Russian and Ukrainian skeptics
By Claire Giangravé — June 30, 2023
(RNS) — Papal envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi met with political and religious representatives in Moscow, June 28-30.
Doomed or sign of hope? Pope Francis’ mission for peace in Ukraine is underway
By Claire Giangravé — June 9, 2023
(RNS) — Cardinal Mateo Zuppi returned from Kyiv on Tuesday where he was sent by the pope to promote a just peace in Ukraine.
Pope Francis sends Cardinal Zuppi to Ukraine to promote a ‘just peace’
By Claire Giangravé — June 5, 2023
(RNS) — Cardinal Matteo Zuppi will be in Kyiv June 5-6 as a papal representative to promote peace between Russia and Ukraine.
Pope Francis taps Italian Cardinal Zuppi to lead peace mission in Ukraine
By Claire Giangravé — May 23, 2023
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The appointment is the latest effort by Pope Francis and the Vatican to mediate a peace between Russia and Ukraine.
Vatican No 2 confirms Russia-Ukraine peace mission plans
By Nicole Winfield — May 5, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Holy See's No. 2 official confirmed Wednesday (May 5) the existence of a Vatican peace “mission” to try to end Russia's war in Ukraine, days after Pope Francis raised eyebrows with an offhand revelation of a secret operation that was already underway.
Pope Francis reflects on his pontificate and legacy in latest interviews
By Claire Giangravé — December 19, 2022
(RNS) — Pope Francis said he has already signed his renunciation if he were unable to act as pope due to health issues or an accident.
Is Pope Francis’ diplomacy of dialogue failing?
By Claire Giangravé — September 20, 2022
(RNS) — In Kazakhstan, Pope Francis could not dialogue with Russia or China, but Vatican experts say the real work happens behind closed doors.
‘All war is anachronistic’: Pope Francis struggles to gain traction for peaceful vision
By Claire Giangravé — April 22, 2022
(RNS) — Pope Francis' refusal to condemn Putin by name disguises his 'severe moral judgment' of the war, experts say.
With war in Ukraine, Pope Francis’ yearslong outreach to Kirill appears to be in ruins
By Claire Giangravé — March 10, 2022
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — For years popes have hoped to meet the Russian Patriarch in Moscow, but the war in Ukraine has set back the clock on overcoming the Christian divide between East and West.
Vatican offers to mediate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine
By Claire Giangravé — February 28, 2022
(RNS) — 'We must avoid every escalation, halt the conflict and negotiate,' said Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
