Zuppi concludes his mission in Russia and calls for speeding up the reunification of children with their families

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi concluded his third mission to Moscow on Wednesday, September 30, with a visit to Ukrainian prisoners of war and several meetings focused on detainee exchanges, the search for missing persons, and the reunification of families separated by the war.

According to reports released on Thursday, the special envoy of Leo XIV for humanitarian affairs visited a detention center for Ukrainian prisoners, where he spoke with some of them and conveyed the Pope’s closeness.

Zuppi also explained to ANSA that he was able to personally assess their conditions and expressed hope that the visit would help facilitate new exchanges. “We hope this visit can further encourage the exchange of prisoners,” he stated.

The mission had begun on Monday, with minors, prisoners, and the situation of civilians as the main items on the agenda.

Meetings on prisoners, missing persons, and minors

During his three-day stay, Zuppi met with Yuri Ushakov, advisor to Vladimir Putin on foreign policy. The talks covered the situation of military and civilian prisoners, the search for missing persons, family reunifications, and cases of minors who should return to their families.

The cardinal also held meetings with Russian officials responsible for human rights and child protection. One of the issues discussed was the need to expedite the checks required prior to family reunifications.

“It is necessary to strengthen and accelerate the verifications needed to ensure family reunification,” Zuppi stated at the conclusion of the mission.