VATICAN, August 24. /TASS/. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, is to make a significant visit to Moscow, signaling a renewed phase of official diplomatic engagement. Don Stefano Caprio, an associate professor at the Pontifical Oriental Institute and a renowned expert on the Russian world, shared his insights with TASS, emphasizing the importance of this development.

"This trip is highly significant; it marks the first official visit since 2021," Don Caprio explained. "In recent years, diplomatic relations have been more informal, often conducted through special representatives such as Cardinal Matteo Zuppi for Ukraine. Now, we are seeing a return to full-fledged official diplomacy." He further elaborated that the agenda extends beyond humanitarian mediation to encompass critical issues in the Middle East, Africa, and Ukraine. "There is a clear commitment to seeking solutions across these regions, and previous efforts have laid the groundwork for meaningful dialogue," he added. Don Caprio also recalled the initiatives proposed by Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIII for the Catholic Church to serve as a mediator or platform for negotiations. While Russia has rejected such a platform, he noted that this does not equate to a rejection of dialogue altogether. "The Holy See continues to play a moral role, fostering an environment conducive to diplomacy," he remarked.

In Don Caprio’s view, Gallagher’s visit exemplifies the Vatican’s reaffirmation of its diplomatic stance, including the Pope’s intention to restore functions to the Secretariat of State. This is noteworthy given that Pope Francis has largely assumed these responsibilities, whereas Leo XIII previously managed them directly.

Vatican analyst Pietro Schiavazzi commented that Gallagher’s visit would resonate far beyond the local Catholic community. "This trip carries much broader implications," he stated. "Pope Leo XIII’s actions may still surprise us."

The Holy See’s Secretariat of State has announced that Archbishop Gallagher will be in Moscow from August 24 to 28. His schedule includes meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, on August 25. Additionally, on August 27, the archbishop will engage with local Catholic clergy and community members and participate in a religious service.