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
Pope Francis to receive Ukraine’s prime minister on Thursday
The two last met at the Vatican in March 2021 amid clashes between Ukraine and Russia in the Donbas region. Read more
Ukraine faults Vatican for ‘equating victim and aggressor’ during Way of the Cross
A Ukraine foreign ministry spokesman criticized a Vatican decision to have the words of two young people from Ukraine and... Read more
Pope Francis asked Catholics to renew Marian consecration every March 25. Here’s what that means
March 25 marks one year since Pope Francis consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Read more
National Catholic Prayer Breakfast speakers address attacks on human dignity
Addressing an audience of over 1,000, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Archbishop Borys Gudziak brought attention to the human toll of the... Read more
Pope Francis says imprisonment of Nicaraguan bishop reminds him of Hitler’s dictatorship
Pope Francis also speaks about Russia's “imperial” agenda, his thoughts on retirement, and Benedict XVI's funeral in a new round... Read more
Ukrainian soldier saved by praying the rosary, priest recounts
Part of Ukrainian priest Father Josafat Boyko’s ministry is to provide spiritual direction to soldiers fighting the Russian invasion. Read more
Spokesman for Russian Catholic bishops: ‘There is no foreseeable solution’ to Ukraine war
Father Kirill Gorbunov said that “the majority of the people are suffering” and that “after a year of war [with... Read more
This was Pope Francis’ spontaneous prayer for Ukraine on anniversary of war
“Heal us,” Pope Francis prayed. Read more
Ukrainian priest: ‘It’s in these times when heroes and saints are born’
Ukrainian priest Father Jurij Blazejewski highlighted the faith of the Ukrainian people and assured that “it is Christ who is... Read more
Ukrainian Catholic leader on anniversary of war: We need spiritual strength
“On this 365th day of war, we thank the Lord God that we can continue to fight against the evil... Read more
‘This is how we experienced a year of war in Ukraine’
What does it mean to be a Christian in times of war? This is the existential question to which Christians... Read more
Catholic priest from Ukraine gives Pope Francis cross made out of war rubble
The Catholic priest and his team have worked tirelessly to provide food, shelter, protection, and health and psychological support to... Read more
Ukrainian Catholics to livestream Stations of the Cross from bomb shelter on Friday
The online prayer event on the first Friday of Lent at 8 p.m. Kyiv time will tell the personal stories... Read more
Ukrainian Catholic leader says focus is on providing help and hope, one year into the war
“It’s a miracle we are still alive,” Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk told reporters at a Feb. 8 news conference organized... Read more
Cardinal Koch: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity a time to pray for peace in Ukraine
The president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity said he is praying this week that “we can re-find... Read more
Archbishop Broglio visits Ukraine, promises American solidarity
Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, offered messages of encouragement and solidarity. Read more
Pope Francis, renewing his prayers for peace in Ukraine, calls on Catholics to learn from the martyrs
Pope Francis on Monday called on Catholics to pray for those who have harmed them — and those persecuted —... Read more
On Christmas Day, Pope Francis prays for Prince of Peace to end ‘third world war’
Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 25, the pope offered the traditional “Urbi et Orbi”... Read more
A double Christmas for Ukrainian Christians? Orthodox Church opens a door
Traditionally, Christmas in predominantly Orthodox Ukraine comes on Jan. 7. But some of Ukraine’s Orthodox Christians can now add Dec.... Read more
Pope Francis: Let us think of the Ukrainian children without heat this Christmas
Pope Francis has urged Catholics not to forget the many children in Ukraine this Christmas who are suffering without electricity... Read more
