Abstract

The contribution analyses the role that the Holy See may exercise with regard to the armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. According to the author, there are two alternatives for the cessation of the conflict: on the one hand, actions taken by States in collective self-defense of Ukraine, and, on the other hand, a peaceful settlement as the result of negotiations between the parties. While both solutions are lawful under international law, resorting to a peaceful settlement cannot be discarded a priori, since the parties should take into account the legal value of peace. In this context, the Holy See has a special position: by reason of its moral authority and impartiality, it can successfully mediate and help the parties to agree on a solution and thus the end of the conflict