The representative of the Holy See discussed with Yuri Ushakov “current issues on the international agenda” and visited the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, where he prayed before the icon of Our Lady of Vladimir. This Thursday, the visit focuses on the Catholic community in Russia.
The visit of Mons. Paul Richard Gallagher to Russia has included in recent hours a meeting with Yuri Ushakov, advisor to Vladimir Putin on foreign policy, and a visit to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, the main church of the Russian Orthodox Church.
The Secretariat of State confirmed this Thursday Gallagher’s meeting with Ushakov, scheduled for Wednesday the 26th, and reported that both addressed “current issues on the international agenda”. No further details about the content of the conversation have been provided so far.
The meeting with one of Putin’s top advisors represents the closest contact to the Kremlin within the agenda developed by Gallagher during his stay in the Russian capital.
It took place after the meeting that the head of Vatican diplomacy held on Tuesday with the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergei Lavrov.
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Gallagher visits the Cathedral of Christ the Savior
The agenda also included a new approach to the Patriarchate of Moscow, following the meeting Gallagher previously held with Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of external relations for the Russian Orthodox Church.
Gallagher visited the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, seat of Patriarch Kirill, accompanied by the Apostolic Nuncio to Russia, Mons. Giovanni d’Aniello.
The representative of the Holy See was received by Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk, Vice President of the Department for External Church Relations of the Patriarchate of Moscow.
During a visit lasting more than an hour, Gallagher toured the church and stopped to pray before the icon of Our Lady of Vladimir, one of the Marian images most venerated by Russian Orthodox faithful.
The visit to the cathedral continued the contacts maintained in recent days between the Vatican delegation and the Patriarchate of Moscow.
This Thursday, the agenda focuses on the Catholic community
After the meetings with Russian authorities and contacts with the Patriarchate, Gallagher dedicates this Thursday, August 27, the final part of his agenda in Moscow to the Catholic community.
The program includes a meeting with priests, religious brothers and sisters, and the celebration of Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Moscow.
Subsequently, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations is scheduled to meet with the Catholic bishops of Russia.
Gallagher’s visit, the first he has made to Russia since 2021, will conclude this Friday, August 28 with his return to Rome.