Rome, 27 June 2023 (dpa/MIA) – The Vatican's special envoy for the war in Ukraine, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, is to visit Moscow this week, the Holy See announced on Tuesday.

Zuppi's visit, which is to take place on Wednesday and Thursday, is intended to strengthen "gestures of humanity that can contribute to promoting a solution to the current tragic situation and find paths toward a just peace," it said.

Zuppi, who chairs the conference of Italian bishops, travelled to Kiev at the start of this month. The main aim was to hear the Ukrainian viewpoint and to ascertain the possibilities for achieving a just peace.

The visit was also intended to help reduce tensions between the two countries. During the visit, Zuppi held talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky and visited Bucha to the north of Kiev.

Pope Frances has repeatedly called for a peaceful solution to the conflict since it erupted in February last year. The Vatican has put itself forward as a possible mediator and tasked Zuppi with leading a Ukraine mission.

Photo: EPA