Vatican, Russia agree visa-free diplomatic travel,
need for dialogue in Venezuela
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| Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin (L), and Russian Foreign Minister Sergej Lavrov enter a hall for talks in Moscow, Russia.- AP |
(Vatican Radio) Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro
Parolin met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergej Lavrov for talks on Tuesday,
during which they discussed issues of international concern and agreed to
visa-free diplomatic travel.
During the press conference following their talks, the Holy
See and the Russian Federation signed an Agreement waiving visa requirements
for holders of diplomatic passports.
Cardinal Parolin and Foreign Minister Lavrov called this a
sign of the two countries’ desire to continue to work together on bilateral
relations and issues of international concern.
Cardinal Parolin said he raised questions regarding the
Catholic Church’s life and activity in Russia with his counterpart.
He said difficulties remaining between the Vatican and
Russia include “working residency permits for non-Russian personnel and the
restitution of several churches necessary for the pastoral care of Catholics in
the country.”
Christians in Middle East
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov evoked the need for
solutions for Christians living in the Middle East.
“We need to find similar solutions that would provide proper
balance between different ethnic and religious groups in Yemen, Libya, and
Iraq, where state building processes are underway,” Mr. Lavrov said.
Cardinal Parolin said he recognized the difference in
approach between Russia and the Holy See on these issues. But he said the two
share a “strong concern for the situation of Christians in several countries of
the Middle East and the African continent”.
“The Holy See nourishes constant concern that religious
liberty be preserved in all States and in all political situations,” Cardinal
Parolin said.
Dialogue in Venezuela
Responding to a question about the situation in Venezuela,
Cardinal Parolin said he believes Russia can help to overcome this very
difficult moment.”
He said Russia can promote the Vatican’s efforts to create
dialogue between Venezuela’s government and the opposition.
“This is the only solution the Holy See sees for an exit to
this situation.”
Cardinal Secretary of State Parolin meets with Russian
President Vladimir Putin in Sochi on Wednesday.
(Devin Sean Watkins)
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