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.
Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk said Sept. 10 that he wanted to express gratitude to the pope and Catholics everywhere for... Read more
Pope Francis made the comment while speaking off the cuff during a live video conference with Russian youth Aug. 25. Read more
In the 45-minute meeting on Aug. 25, the pope and Novák spoke about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and efforts... Read more
Marina Aleykseyeva, a Ukrainian pilgrim, said “it was unbelievable” how many people stopped them on the streets to say they... Read more
During his in-flight press conference, the pope also spoke about his health, youth suicide, and access to the sacraments. Read more
The pope also addressed “rigidity” in the Church and concerns about the Synod on Synodality. Read more
“I appeal to my brothers, the authorities of the Russian Federation, that the Black Sea Initiative be restored and grain... Read more
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher last week defended what he described as Pope Francis’ “strong and courageous” push for peace in... Read more
The visit to Washington comes weeks after the Biden administration announced it would send controversial “cluster bombs” to Ukraine. Read more
The Defense Department announced last week it would be sending “additional security assistance to meet Ukraine’s critical security and defense... Read more
Cluster bombs are mass casualty arms that present a grave threat to civilians both because of their large impact area... Read more
Pope Francis’ envoy to Ukraine Cardinal Matteo Zuppi on Tuesday finished a “brief but intense” two-day visit to Kyiv. Read more
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi arrived in Kyiv on Monday to carry out the peace mission entrusted to him by Pope Francis. Read more
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi has strong ties to the influential Sant’Egidio Community, which has helped negotiate reconciliation in countries like South... Read more
The brief encounter in St. Peter’s Square with Metropolitan Anthony took place days after the pope said secret peace talks... Read more
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 told journalists Thursday that he has asked Pope Francis for help getting back children forcibly deported to... Read more
The two last met at the Vatican in March 2021 amid clashes between Ukraine and Russia in the Donbas region. Read more
A Ukraine foreign ministry spokesman criticized a Vatican decision to have the words of two young people from Ukraine and... Read more
March 25 marks one year since Pope Francis consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Read more