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CV NEWS FEED // At an international conference in Montreal focused on Ukraine’s peace formula, the Vatican reaffirmed its dedication to securing the release of Ukrainian minors, military personnel, and civilians held by Russia, according to Vatican News.
The Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of Ukraine’s Peace Formula in Montreal marks the second international meeting centered on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace initiative. This event specifically addressed the president’s fourth proposal: “the release of all prisoners and deportees.”
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the Vatican has responded to Ukrainian authorities’ calls for assistance. This has led to some progress, including the release of two Ukrainian clergy members and the return of a group of children taken to Russia, Vatican News reported.
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, emphasized the Holy See’s ongoing humanitarian efforts but acknowledged that “unfortunately, the results have not met expectations,” citing the complex nature of the cases.
President Zelenskyy initially sought the Vatican’s diplomatic support to address the forced deportation of more than 19,000 Ukrainian minors and the exchange of prisoners, Vatican News reported.
His appeal has been supported by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, who has led diplomatic missions to Kyiv and Moscow as the Pope’s emissary for peace.
Zuppi’s recent visit to Moscow this October “led to the creation of a framework for the repatriation of children and the regular exchange of information between the two parties,” including meetings between the apostolic nuncios of both Ukraine and Russia, Bishop Gallagher noted.
Gallagher praised the work of the two Apostolic Nuncios — Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas in Ukraine and Archbishop Giovanni d’Aniello in Russia — in facilitating direct communication between Ukrainian and Russian authorities. Archbishop Kulbokas, he reported, has even identified Catholic institutions prepared to welcome returning families and repatriated minors.
In addition to submitting extensive lists of names calling for prisoner exchanges, the Vatican has also advocated for medical assistance and humanitarian aid for both Ukrainian prisoners and Russian prisoners held in Ukraine, according to Vatican News.
Gallagher concluded by highlighting the need for transparency and urging both sides to avoid using humanitarian issues as political leverage. He stressed that such efforts could foster goodwill on both sides and bring the region closer to peace.
