The Cardinal Matteo Zuppiout of Kyiv, Moscow and Washington, is currently in its fourth phase in China a mission for peace in Ukraine which Pope Francis entrusted to him. The papal envoy, who left Berlin immediately after the interreligious meeting of the Community of Sant’Egidio, will remain in the Land of the Dragon until Friday. It is a historic event in itself considering that The People’s Republic of China severed diplomatic relations with the Holy See in 1951.
Pope Francis described Zuppi’s visit as an integral part The Vatican’s “peace offensive.”. This multifaceted initiative has already been the subject of papal visits to Kiev, Moscow and Washington DC. In addition, the possibility of appointing a permanent representative to act as a bridge between Russia and Ukraine has been considered, underlining his unwavering commitment to pacification from the region.
Cardinal Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, He is closely linked to the pacifist community of Sant’Egidio. It is a Catholic lay association that has played a crucial role in peace negotiations in numerous countries, including Mozambique, South Sudan, Congo, Burundi and the Central African Republic.
However, these Vatican diplomatic efforts recently suffered a setback Mykhailo PodolyakAdvisor to Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky, criticized Pope Francis as “pro-Russian” and “not credible”. Those comments came after the pope mentioned the imperial tsars and “great mother Russia” during a video conference with young Russians in August. In response to Podolyak’s claims, the Vatican quickly dismissed any claims suggesting that the Vatican Bank or the IOR receives or invests money from Russia. The Holy See insisted that such activities were both wrong and unacceptable given international sanctions and the body’s strict guidelines.
Increase in Russian imperialism
Francis himself recognized it inappropriate comments about “Greater Russia” after his return from Mongolia. He made it clear that he intended his words to highlight Russia’s rich cultural heritage rather than support imperial ambitions. In addition, the Vatican made it clear that the pope had no intention of glorifying Russian imperialism, responding to the concerns of Major Archbishop Svyatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
However, Cardinal Zuppi remains loyal to his peace mission and expresses his confidence Recent criticism of the Pope will not hinder diplomatic efforts. He believes that all questions and concerns will be addressed as they arise and underlines the ongoing support that the Church extends to the Ukrainian people during their suffering. It should be noted that the envoy made it clear that he does not intend to play an official mediator role in the peace process in Ukraine, but rather is committed to providing assistance and support to further the peace process.
However, Zuppi does not carry out a preconceived plan; builds a network of multilateral relationships. This mission reflects the hope of the Holy See, which sees China as a potentially effective interlocutor to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict with Ukraine. Or at least to open channels for a possible ceasefire.
Beijing’s role
So far, China, which has close relations with Russia, has maintained a cautious line in the war between Russia and Ukraine, declined to condemn the Russian invasion of February 24, 2022, but called on parties to avoid attacks on key civilian infrastructure. He also called on parties at United Nations headquarters to resume talks on food security and the resumption of grain and fertilizer exports.
The Asian giant generally follows a policy of non-intervention when it comes to conflicts outside its own borders, but is increasingly seen as a possible mediator in the conflict. However, Beijing has repeatedly reiterated its commitment to a political solution to the conflict and continues to call for it His 12-point peace plan was released in March. The Kremlin has said China’s proposals are being considered.
The Beijing Foreign Ministry assured that Zuppi would hold a meeting with him Li Hui, China’s Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs. In May, he led a delegation to Ukraine, Russia and four other European countries as a special envoy, following Xi’s commitment during a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymir Zelensky on April 26. “On the Ukrainian question: China has always been committed to promoting peace and talks, and we stand ready to work with all parties to continue to play a constructive role in promoting detente and cooling of the situation,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on Wednesday.
At the start of his peace mission, Zuppi met with United States President Zelensky and senior advisers to Russian President Vladimir Putin, including Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova. The cardinal assured that his mission was “to continue to create all the necessary conditions and to advance in the only right direction, namely a just and secure peace. May it be a peace chosen by Ukrainians, but with the guarantees, commitment and effort of everyone,” he stressed.
His “humanitarian initiatives” include finding a way to support the return of Ukrainian children brought to Russia after Moscow troops invaded the former Soviet state in February last year. The International Criminal Court (ICC), for its part has issued arrest warrants against Putin and Lvova-Belova for allegedly illegally deporting minors and illegal transfer of people from Ukraine. The Kiev government claims that nearly 19,500 children were taken to Russia or Russian-occupied Crimea as part of so-called “illegal deportations.” However, Lvova-Belova has defended the operation as a humanitarian evacuation of abandoned Ukrainian children.
The cardinal’s presence in China comes a few days later The Pope will send a warm greeting to this country during his visit to neighboring Mongolia. where he was accompanied by Cardinal John Tong Hon and Bishop Stephen Chow Sau-yan, former and current senior Catholic clergy in Hong Kong. There are currently no formal relations between Beijing and the Holy See. In 2018, China and the Vatican signed a historic agreement that has since been renewed twice. This allows the pope to appoint and veto bishops approved by the ruling Communist Party. Last November, the Vatican accused Beijing of violating the terms of the agreement appointed a new Bishop of Shanghai without consulting the Holy See. However, the pope finally approved the prelate’s appointment last July.
