The Russian Ambassador to the Vatican, Ivan Soltanovsky, in an interview with the Russian News Agency TASS, has confirmed that the Russian Embassy in the Vatican is fully aware of Pope Francis’ expressed desire to visit Moscow and Kiev. However, he clarified that there are currently no plans in motion for such visits to take place.
Soltanovsky mentioned, “We have knowledge that Pope Francis is eager to make such trips, in line with his ongoing efforts to foster peace globally. His commendable intentions are not in question. However, as per my current understanding, there are no concrete discussions or plans regarding these proposed visits.” The ambassador further added that Pope Francis is prepared to take up the role of a mediator in the ongoing Ukraine issue, but he pointed out that “western forces are creating obstacles in the path towards resolution of the conflict”.
The statement from the Russian ambassador comes in the wake of comments from Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary of State Relations. Archbishop Gallagher had previously stated that Pope Francis is indeed ready to visit Russia and Ukraine. However, he also indicated that the actualization of these visits is largely dependent on the conflicting parties involved.
It is notable that in March of the previous year, Pope Francis had asserted his readiness to visit Kiev, but he had stipulated a condition. He stated that he would undertake the visit to Kiev only if he was also received in Moscow. He further emphasized that he did not perceive any impossibilities in this regard. According to Pope Francis, the decision and its implementation largely depend on the Russian President, Vladimir Putin.
