Archbishop Gallagher: The Holy See pursues a diplomacy that believes in peace

By Stefano Leszczynski

The sun was shining in Moscow on Friday in the early afternoon when the person responsible for the Holy See’s diplomacy boarded the flight that took him back to Rome, via Istanbul, to return to the Vatican late at night. It was a long and rather cumbersome journey. The suspension of direct connections between Russia and the countries of the European Union, in fact, restricts the options for reaching Moscow and obliges the few scheduled flights to make a long detour around Europe, which from Istanbul leads to crossing the Balkans, skirting the Ukrainian borders and, finally, crossing the skies of Belarus. It took at least twelve hours, between flights and stopovers, for a journey that before 2022 required about four hours of flying.

“It was a long journey,” confirms Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, “but this too takes on a symbolic dimension – before 2022, one reached Moscow in a few hours, whereas today the road has become longer. This journey is indicative of the desire for dialogue that the Holy See wants to pursue. A dialogue that we have been conducting for years, both through the Embassy of the Russian Federation to the Holy See and through the work of the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Giovanni d’Aniello in Moscow. This underscores the commitment and the importance that we have attributed to this journey, which was undertaken on behalf of the Holy See and with the blessing of the Pope.”

Q: There was evident appreciation on the part of the Russian authorities for your trip to Moscow, which emerged from the institutional talks with Foreign Minister Lavrov and Adviser Ushakov. The issue of the ongoing war with Ukraine captured much of the attention. You have stressed several times that the only way to end the hostilities is a return to diplomacy.

Yes, it is a difficult dialogue, because the longer the war continues, the more difficult it will be to restore relations: there are many victims, many open wounds. But we know very well that, historically, all conflicts, all wars end with a negotiation, with an agreement, and then one begins to restore relations between the former belligerents. In this sense, diplomacy offers and promises a possible solution. This is also what we, as a Church, have the responsibility and the duty to proclaim. We went to Moscow to speak of peace, to encourage the troubled souls because of the war, and to say: have courage, embrace the path of peace, have the hope of believing in a better day. And I believe that essentially this was our message.

Q: After the bilateral meeting, Foreign Minister Lavrov said in an interview that during the talks, you limited yourself rather to a general appeal to put an end to the conflict as soon as possible.

Yes, it is true, this is precisely our line, which we have always maintained. The Holy See does not enter into the details of the negotiations, nor does it propose technical solutions, because this is the direct responsibility of the belligerent parties. The Holy See, instead, recalls this responsibility and invites them to show goodwill in order to seriously begin a dialogue. And it does so by addressing both the Russian Federation and Ukraine, as well as other countries, asking that no effort be spared to create spaces for dialogue.

Q: In the face of the suffering of civilian populations because of the war, you have maintained the need to strengthen action in the humanitarian field, also in view of the trip that Cardinal Matteo Zuppi will make to the Russian Federation. What are the priorities?

This dimension is fundamental and, in this area, the Holy See is already offering its contribution, a commitment that so far has been greatly appreciated. The Holy Father himself, before leaving, told me: we must insist on the humanitarian dimension. And that is what we did.

We hope that Cardinal Zuppi’s peace mission will continue and that he will be able to return promptly to Moscow, also in order to be a witness to what the local Church and the Catholic communities are doing.

Q: The Holy See has offered its good offices to reopen a path of dialogue and negotiation. How was this offer received and how could it take concrete form?

It is an offer that we have already made in the past and so far it has not materialized. It does not seem that there is a desire for direct involvement on the part of our diplomatic offices. But the gesture was appreciated, the fact that we are not washing our hands of it. The message in this sense is clear: in today’s world no one can resolve anything alone. Both Russia and Ukraine need the international community, they need their alliances, and by offering our good offices we tell both sides that the Holy See is available to help in any way. They only have to ask and we will make all our resources available, which are modest, we acknowledge that, but it is a gesture that we make in good faith.

Advertisement

Q: You also had the opportunity to meet part of the diplomatic world here in Moscow and everyone showed an interest in the ability of the Holy See’s diplomacy to succeed in dialoguing at the same time with Ukraine and Russia. A rarity at this moment.

Yes, the meetings we had here in Moscow with various representatives of the diplomatic missions serve to strengthen the initiative of the Holy See to keep the path of dialogue open. We are convinced that this is the road to follow and that isolating people, countries, frankly, does not help. This is our opinion; obviously, every State has every right to decide its own strategy autonomously. By coming here to Moscow and doing what others at this moment are not doing, we invite reflection on whether the strategies implemented so far are producing results in resolving this tragedy.

Q: Among the issues addressed with Foreign Minister Lavrov were also matters concerning Christians in different areas of the world. What are the priorities in this area?

With Minister Sergey Lavrov we have had an open channel for years and it does not concern only the war in Ukraine. Russia is very closely attached to its own Orthodox Christian tradition and there is a common concern for all Christians who, in various parts of the world, have to face difficulties. There are countries where technically it is not correct to speak of persecution, but where there is insecurity, where there are discrimination, prejudice and marginalization, and Russia too is concerned about these issues. This is an area in which we seek to renew our common commitment.

Q: During your mission you also had the opportunity to meet the Catholic community in Russia and urged it to make itself an agent of peace. In this sense, what must be the commitment of the Catholic Church?

In my conversation with the religious men, religious women and clergy, I told them that they are already agents of peace, and they are so in their daily lives, every time they build small bridges. They have an influence on society, they are neighbors, they are people who carry forward the charitable works of the Church, who are present through our educational and also healthcare institutions. And this is a tangible manifestation of the Church’s commitment in favor of reconciliation and peace. This is infinitely more eloquent than any word.

Q: You also had the opportunity to meet senior figures of the Moscow Patriarchate, specifically Metropolitan Antonij of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations.

Between Metropolitan Antonij and the Holy See there is a very cordial, fraternal relationship. He often comes to meet the Holy Father, the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and myself. What we had was not a meeting on ecumenical dialogue in the strict sense, which falls under the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, but we considered it appropriate to meet in order to address various subjects, including those connected with the current situation. It was a very encouraging meeting, which demonstrated that we share very many things, even though a different view remains on some questions, but at the same time we seek to encourage one another to follow the path of the Gospel.

Q: Returning to the work of the Church in Russia, the commitment that the Catholic Church carries out in the country on the charitable front is very important.

This is evident: where there is the Church there must always be charity, solidarity with the less fortunate, and it seems to me that here the Catholic Church has always followed this path. I was impressed by the testimonies that emerged during the meeting with the religious men and women because despite the very limited resources of these communities, which are also very few in number for this immense country, they do what they can with great perseverance. I did not hear anyone complain about their conditions; on the contrary, I perceived the joy for the service they offer here in Russia today.

Q: On the final day of your trip to Moscow you presided over the solemn Mass in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. A very well-attended Eucharistic celebration, with many young people, which also drew a great deal of interest from the media. What struck you most?

It is true, it was a very well-attended Mass, one could perceive a true intensity of the religious experience, and this is encouraging because one can perhaps have a superficial impression of the small Catholic groups scattered throughout this enormous city, but seeing them gathered in this beautiful cathedral to bear witness to the vitality of their faith impressed me greatly. It was truly a demonstration of affection, above all toward the Holy Father, and one can see that these bonds of love, bonds with the successor of Peter, are very strong here. This is truly a reason for immense satisfaction.

Q: Official missions are always a moment of great concentration, of great commitment. At the end of these journeys, however, there is always an emotional aspect. Personally, what do you bring back with you to Rome?

One feels a certain sadness at leaving a community like this. Our message is: we are not leaving you alone; we are returning to Rome to speak with those who sent us, and we remain very close to you. I believe this is the meaning of what must be done: in these very difficult years in this region of the world, the universal Church must think about how to support these communities more, encouraging their pastors and the faithful, and maintaining spiritual bonds. When I go to any part of the world for a visit, afterwards I return home, but the people, the communities I have met always remain in my prayer. I can say the same regarding the diplomatic aspect of the mission. I always accompany, and therefore this time as well, the desires for peace and justice with my prayer, because, ultimately, peace is a gift from God. It is up to us to dispose ourselves to receive it.