The history of relations between the Vatican and Russia goes back almost two centuries, during which close ties were established, including through the representation of the Russian Church at the Holy See. This long history influences the Vatican’s current position on the Russian-Ukrainian war, including calls for “reconciliation.”. An important factor in the formation of this position is also the perception of the Fatima prophecy about Russia.

The Fatima Mystery is a series of visions and prophecies that Catholics say were given to three Portuguese shepherdesses - Lucia Santos, Francisco and Jacinthe Marto - by the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. These visions are surrounded by an aura of mystery and are still the subject of debate among believers and skeptics.

The prophecy consists of several parts, gradually revealed. The first parts dealt with a vision of hell and a call to conversion. The third part of the mystery, related to the future of the world, raises the most mysteries..

According to the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Holy See Andrey Yurash, which he expressed in an interview with Glavkom, the tradition of the Russian presence in the Vatican reaches almost two hundred years. During this time, hundreds of Russian clergy trained at the Vatican, often acting in the interests of Soviet and Russian intelligence services under the guise of religious activities. The location of the Russian embassy in one of the best palaces in Rome, the former capital of the Papal State, emphasizes the special status granted to Russia. After the formation of the Italian Republic, Russia even received two embassies: under the republic and the Holy See.

Yurash notes that the Fatima prophecy has a significant influence on the Catholic clergy, including the Pope.. This prophecy, dated July 13, 1917, tells of the appearance of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal, where she supposedly foresaw the need for Russia to turn to the righteous path, otherwise "

It is this prophecy, according to the ambassador, that forms in the Vatican the idea of \u200b\u200bRussia as a “lost sheep”, and the Russian Orthodox Church, despite its controversial activities, as a religious institution that needs to be turned around. Yurash emphasizes that such a romantic view of Russia is also inherent in Pope Francis. Among such romantics is the Pope,” he said.

This historical context and religious beliefs likely explain the Vatican's position on the war in Ukraine.

The Pope's recent calls for reconciliation between Ukrainians and Russians, as well as prayers for peace for both peoples, without clearly identifying Russia as the aggressor, have caused mixed reactions in Ukrainian society.

It is important to note that the Vatican, calling for peace, does not always directly indicate Russia’s responsibility for the war and does not demand the unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine. This position is likely due to historical ties with Russia and the influence of religious beliefs, in particular the interpretation of the Fatima prophecy.