Pope Francis has sent his envoy, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, to China as part of efforts to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This was reported by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

The Vatican cardinal is expected to meet with senior Chinese officials, including Prime Minister Li Qiang.

"The last attempt to open a glimmer of peace. Or at least a delay. This is the last stage of the mission Francis wanted to try to silence the weapons in Ukraine," the article says.

This summer, Cardinal Zuppi also visited Kyiv and Moscow as part of efforts to resolve the conflict.