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
Cardinal Zuppi meets with Chinese official to discuss peace in Ukraine
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi met with Chinese Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read more
Why the Queen of Belgium can wear white when meeting the pope
She has the “privilège du blanc,” a papal privilege currently granted only to Catholic royalty from Spain, Luxembourg, Belgium, Monaco,... Read more
Cardinal Zuppi heading to Beijing to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed on Tuesday that the cardinal will be in the Chinese capital as the pope’s peace... Read more
Ukrainian Catholic leader offers Divine Liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica
Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk said Sept. 10 that he wanted to express gratitude to the pope and Catholics everywhere for... Read more
Vatican reassures Ukrainian Catholics that pope did not intend to praise Russian imperialism
Pope Francis made the comment while speaking off the cuff during a live video conference with Russian youth Aug. 25. Read more
Pope Francis discusses family values, Ukraine war with Hungarian president
In the 45-minute meeting on Aug. 25, the pope and Novák spoke about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and efforts... Read more
Ukrainian Catholics receive warm reception at World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon
Marina Aleykseyeva, a Ukrainian pilgrim, said “it was unbelievable” how many people stopped them on the streets to say they... Read more
Pope Francis explains why he skipped Fatima prayer for peace
During his in-flight press conference, the pope also spoke about his health, youth suicide, and access to the sacraments. Read more
Pope Francis confirms Vatican envoy’s visit to China in wide-ranging interview
The pope also addressed “rigidity” in the Church and concerns about the Synod on Synodality. Read more
Pope Francis calls Russia to renew Ukraine grain deal
“I appeal to my brothers, the authorities of the Russian Federation, that the Black Sea Initiative be restored and grain... Read more
Vatican diplomat: Pope Francis ‘stubbornly believes in peace’
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher last week defended what he described as Pope Francis’ “strong and courageous” push for peace in... Read more
Cardinal Zuppi to meet with President Biden to discuss Ukraine
The visit to Washington comes weeks after the Biden administration announced it would send controversial “cluster bombs” to Ukraine. Read more
Bishop expresses ‘moral concern’ over U.S. provision of cluster munitions to Ukraine
The Defense Department announced last week it would be sending “additional security assistance to meet Ukraine’s critical security and defense... Read more
Biden administration to send cluster bombs to Ukraine: What has the Church said?
Cluster bombs are mass casualty arms that present a grave threat to civilians both because of their large impact area... Read more
Papal envoy to Ukraine meets with President Zelenskyy, concludes ‘intense’ visit
Pope Francis’ envoy to Ukraine Cardinal Matteo Zuppi on Tuesday finished a “brief but intense” two-day visit to Kyiv. Read more
Cardinal Zuppi arrives in Ukraine to begin work as Vatican peace envoy
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi arrived in Kyiv on Monday to carry out the peace mission entrusted to him by Pope Francis. Read more
Vatican: Italian cardinal entrusted with Ukraine peace mission
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi has strong ties to the influential Sant’Egidio Community, which has helped negotiate reconciliation in countries like South... Read more
Pope Francis greets Russian Orthodox metropolitan after audience
The brief encounter in St. Peter’s Square with Metropolitan Anthony took place days after the pope said secret peace talks... Read more
Pope Francis says he did not lose consciousness before hospitalization in March
Asked about his health during the in-flight press conference, the 86-year-old pope said he felt bad on March 29 and... Read more
Ukraine’s prime minister asks Pope Francis to help bring back children taken to Russia
Ukraine’s prime minister told journalists Thursday that he has asked Pope Francis for help getting back children forcibly deported to... Read more
