“small steps” approach.
While some Vatican analysts still view the controversial “Ostpolitik” as an historical success, it’s viewed differently in post-communist Europe, where many believe it undermined local bishops and boosted regime legitimacy.
Though some doubt whether talks should be held at all, particularly with Kirill, who faces vilification and isolation, Przeciszewski thinks past comparisons are unfair.”There were fears a year ago that Rome was again going it alone — but the fact that Cardinal Zuppi went to Kyiv and listened to the Ukrainians first shows he wasn’t acting over anyone’s heads,” the news director told NCR.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, shakes hands with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi in Kyiv, Ukraine, June 6, during the first leg of the cardinal’s peace mission. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, shakes hands with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi in Kyiv, Ukraine, June 6, during the first leg of the cardinal’s peace mission. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)
“As to whether Christians should talk or reach out to the devil, I think in certain situations they should, provided they’re not seduced — and I see no evidence that Cardinal Zuppi was being naive or betraying anyone’s interests. On the contrary, I think the Vatican has shed any illusions about the Russians, and is acting from a sense of moral duty to do anything to bring peace closer.
“For now, at least, the tentative diplomatic forays look set to continue, as other parties, including the Geneva-based World Council of Churches, also pitch in with peace initiatives.In war-damaged Odessa, Szyrokoradiuk said he and other church leaders were not notified of Zuppi’s mission and firmly support the Ukrainian government’s position.
He said he remained hopeful, but deeply skeptical of mediations.
“We’re grateful for what Rome is doing — but with a totalitarian power like Moscow, nothing can really be achieved,” the Odessa-Simferopol bishop told NCR.
“While diplomatic and humanitarian support is appreciated, what Ukraine really needs right now is massive military assistance.
“Although it isn’t the church’s task to request this, it’s what we’re praying for most of all”, he said.
