Ukraine War

The Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. The Russian offensive triggered the largest refugee crisis since the Second World War. Thousands of people, including many civilians, have died in the war amid heavy fighting in the north, east, and south of Ukraine. The country is home to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the largest of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches in communion with Rome. Pope Francis has said that the Vatican is willing to mediate an end to the conflict between the predominantly Eastern Orthodox nations.

The Latest

An image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at St. Peter's Church, Vienna, Austria.

Catholic bishops of England and Wales to join Pope Francis in Ukraine-Russia consecration

Mar 18, 2022

By CNA Staff

‘I have been touched by the Holy Father’s initiative,’ said Bishop Mark O’Toole. Read more

Pope Francis talks to young people in St. Peter’s Basilica on March 15, 2022.

Pope Francis invites Catholic bishops worldwide to join him in consecrating Russia, Ukraine

Mar 17, 2022

By Alejandro Bermudez

In a letter sent urgently on Mar. 17 to all U.S. Bishops, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop... Read more

A girl praying at the Basilica del Santo Niño in Cebu, Philippines in 2019.

Fearful of world war, Philippines' bishops to join Pope Francis’ consecration of Russia and Ukraine

Mar 17, 2022

By Kevin J. Jones

Voicing concern that the far-away conflict in Europe will have consequences in Asia, the Catholic bishops of the Philippines, one... Read more

Our Lady of Fatima.

Our Lady of Fatima pilgrim statue arrives in Ukraine prior to March 25 consecration

Mar 17, 2022

By Katie Yoder

A special statue of Our Lady of Fatima has arrived in Ukraine, ahead of Pope Francis’ consecration of the country... Read more

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Knights of Columbus urges members to join novena for Ukraine and Russia

Mar 17, 2022

By CNA Staff

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly of the Knights of Columbus has called on his fellow knights to join in a nine-day... Read more

Our Lady of Fatima.

Which novena to pray for Ukraine? Here are some really good ones

Mar 17, 2022

By CNA Staff

Catholics worldwide are eager to join in this special time of prayer for peace in Ukraine. But many are asking:... Read more

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk records a video message on March 17, 2022.

Ukrainian Catholic leader: ‘Women are becoming the first victims of the occupation’

Mar 17, 2022

By CNA Staff

Major Archbishop Shevchuk referred to a viral image known as the ‘Kyivan Madonna.’ Read more

Three aid workers were hurt when the delivery van they were riding in was struck by artillery fire in Ukraine.

Three hurt when Catholic charity's van struck by artillery fire in Ukraine

Mar 16, 2022

By Joe Bukuras

Three volunteers for the U.S.-based Vulnerable People Project were hurt, one critically, when their vehicle came under fire in northwest... Read more

Pope Francis meets Latvian foreign minister Edgars Rinkēvičs at the Vatican, March 14, 2022.

Latvia’s foreign minister: The Church must keep its moral compass

Mar 16, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Edgars Rinkēvičs met with Pope Francis on March 14. Read more

Cardinal Pietro Parolin celebrates Mass for Peace in Ukraine at St. Peter’s Basilica, March 16, 2022.

Vatican cardinal celebrates Mass for peace in Ukraine

Mar 16, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

Russia’s ambassador to the Holy See attended the Mass. Read more

Pope Francis takes part in a video call with Patriarch Kirill on March 16, 2022.

Pope Francis discusses Ukraine war with Russian Orthodox leader

Mar 16, 2022

By CNA Staff

The discussion was reported by the Patriarchate of Moscow. Read more

A kindergarten in Okhtyrka, a city in northeastern Ukraine that has seen intense fighting.

Ukrainian Catholic leader: Innocent children’s blood is ‘on the hands of the criminals who began this war’

Mar 16, 2022

By CNA Staff

Major Archbishop Shevchuk said that ‘almost 100 children have died as a result of bombing.’ Read more

Pope Francis prays for Ukraine | A Ukrainian soldier rescues a child

Here’s the prayer for Ukraine cited by Pope Francis

Mar 16, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The prayer was composed by Archbishop Domenico Battaglia of Naples. Read more

A plenary meeting of the Polish bishops’ conference on March 15, 2022.

Ukraine war: Poland’s Catholic bishops condemn attacks on civilians

Mar 16, 2022

By CNA Staff

The U.N. human rights office has recorded over 1,800 civilian casualties. Read more

A statue depicting the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the parish church of St. Nicholas in Krapina, Croatia.

Latin American bishops to join Pope Francis’ consecration of Russia and Ukraine to Mary’s Immaculate Heart

Mar 16, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

CELAM said the Marian consecration was a cause of ‘great joy and hope.’ Read more

Pope Francis prays for children in Ukraine, March 16, 2022.

Pope Francis: After a nuclear war, humanity would have to ‘start from scratch’

Mar 16, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The pope was speaking on the 21st day of the war in Ukraine. Read more

His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk.

‘We are grateful’: Ukrainian Catholic leader welcomes consecration to Mary’s Immaculate Heart

Mar 16, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

Major Archbishop Shevchuk said: ‘This is a spiritual act long awaited by the Ukrainian people.’ Read more

Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova and Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia speak at the National Press Club on March 15, 2022.

Ukraine 'genocide' represents 'David and Goliath' battle, say ambassador, archbishop

Mar 15, 2022

By Katie Yoder

Ukraine leaders are condemning Russia’s invasion of the country, with the Ukrainian ambassador calling the situation a “full-scale genocide” and... Read more

Archbishop Mieczyslaw Mokrzycki of Lviv, Ukraine.

Ukrainian archbishop calls for worldwide novena ahead of Pope Francis' consecration of Russia, Ukraine

Ukrainian Catholic leaders have been urging Pope Francis to take the dramatic step to consecrate both Ukraine and Russia to... Read more

A screenshot from a video from Ukraine that went viral on March 12, 2022 during Russia's attack on Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital.

Is the viral video of the Blessed Sacrament traveling through Kyiv fact or fiction?

Mar 15, 2022

By Shannon Mullen

A video from Ukraine tweeted on March 12 quickly went viral. But did it show the Blessed Sacrament traveling through... Read more