Vatican names cardinal to lead peace mission for Ukraine

MOSCOW. May 22 (Interfax) - Pope Francis has assigned Cardinal Matteo Zuppi to lead a peace mission for Ukraine, Ukrainian media reported with reference to the Vatican News service, which citied the Holy See press office.

"Pope Francis has entrusted Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Bishops' Conference, with the task of leading a mission to help ease tensions in the conflict in Ukraine," it said.

Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, confirmed the news of the mission on Saturday evening.

"I can confirm that Pope Francis has entrusted Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Bishops' Conference, with the responsibility of leading a mission, in agreement with the Secretariat of State, that contributes to an easing of tensions in the Ukraine conflict, in the hopes that this can initiate paths of peace, something never abandoned by the Holy Father," Vatican News quoted Bruni as saying.