Overview
- Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher ended a multi-day working visit to Moscow on Thursday after meetings with senior Russian officials and church leaders.
- He held one-on-one talks with Presidential aide Yury Ushakov and met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss topical international issues.
- Gallagher engaged the Moscow Patriarchate, touring the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and meeting Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk to discuss matters of common interest between the churches.
- At the visit’s close he celebrated Mass with local Catholic bishops and clergy at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and urged the Church to act as builders of bridges and agents of peace.
- The mission restarted in-person Vatican–Russia contacts without producing public agreements, leaving the trip’s value in preserved dialogue, possible humanitarian coordination and pastoral encouragement for a small Catholic minority.