The Vatican has not given up its efforts to establish a dialogue in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. On August 14, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, spoke by telephone with Li Hui, the Chinese government’s special envoy for Eurasian affairs.

The two spoke of their deep concern about the situation. Hui expressed his appreciation for the Vatican’s ongoing mediation efforts and provision of humanitarian aid. The cardinal, in turn, thanked the Chinese government for its tireless efforts to promote peace.

Cardinal Zuppi and Hui discussed the need to promote dialogue between Russia and Ukraine “with appropriate international guarantees for a just and lasting peace.”

On the occasion of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, Cardinal Zuppi wrote in the Italian bishops’ newspaper Avvenire that there were signs of progress:

Here and there there are signs of peace, solidarity and willingness to engage in dialogue.

This is not the first time that Zuppi has acted as the Vatican’s representative in this conflict. Almost a year ago, in 2023, Pope Francis sent the cardinal to Kyiv, Moscow, Washington DC and Beijing to “reduce tensions” and create “paths of peace.”

KG