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 thanks Italian volunteers for helping Ukrainian refugees fleeing ‘absurd war’
The pope thanked volunteers for aiding ‘refugees from Ukraine, especially women and children who have fled this absurd war.’ Read more
Vatican foreign minister meets Ukrainian counterpart in Kyiv
Archbishop Paul Gallagher prayed at a former mass grave site in Bucha during his Ukraine visit. Read more
‘This is going to be a long haul’: Ukraine’s Caritas groups help almost 1.5 million people as war rages on
The aid offered so far is ‘just the beginning,’ said Caritas Ukraine president Tetiana Stawnychy. Read more
Catholic bishop questions lack of EU support as Poland aids millions of Ukrainian refugees
More than three million people have fled from Ukraine to Poland since Feb. 24. Read more
Pope Francis meets wives of Ukrainian soldiers fighting to defend Mariupol
‘You are our last hope. We hope that you can save their lives. Please don’t let them die.’ Read more
Ukraine war: Catholic charity to fund restoration of looted seminary
‘They took everything they could,’ said seminary rector Father Ruslan Mikhalkiv. Read more
What’s the future of Catholic-Russian Orthodox relations?
Pope Francis appears to have burned ecumenical bridges with Moscow. Vatican Cardinal Kurt Koch is seeking to rebuild them. Read more
Mother’s Day: Pope Francis sends moms ‘Our prayer, affection, best wishes’
In his Regina Caeli address, Pope Francis asked the faithful to celebrate their mothers in a special way on Sunday,... Read more
Pope Francis: ‘Barbarity of war’ should inspire new push for Christian unity
The pope was addressing members of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Read more
US ambassador to the Holy See meets Ukrainian refugee born in bomb shelter
Joe Donnelly met with a Ukrainian mother who had given birth to her baby in a shelter under a hospital. Read more
Russian Orthodox Church: Pope Francis’ comments about talks with Patriarch Kirill ‘regrettable’
The Moscow Patriarchate said the pope’s words were ‘unlikely to contribute to the establishment of a constructive dialogue.’ Read more
Pope Francis says he wants to meet Putin in Moscow to discuss Ukraine war
‘We have not yet had a response,’ the pope said. Read more
Cardinal Dolan talks Ukraine, refugee relief, Russian invasion
The efforts to help Ukraine’s refugees are an inspiration, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York has said at the conclusion... Read more
Pope Francis thanks Papal Foundation for aid to Ukraine
The pope said that the foundation brings ‘love, hope, and mercy’ to those it supports. Read more
Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill: Who could host their 2nd summit?
A meeting is off for now, but where could the two men eventually meet? Read more
Pope Francis to Patriarch Kirill: Let’s be ‘true peacemakers’ for war-torn Ukraine
The pope sent Easter greetings to the Russian Orthodox leader. Read more
Marking two months of war, Pope Francis says 'the attack must be stopped'
Pope Francis on Sunday renewed his call for a truce in Ukraine, saying "the attack must be stopped." Read more
Pope Francis: God is weeping for the victims of the Ukraine war
The pope offered a reflection on "Our Lady of Tears." Read more
Pope Francis: Visit to Kyiv not likely anytime soon
Pope Francis has expressed doubts that he will travel to Kyiv anytime soon. Read more
Pope Francis joins UN chief’s appeal for Ukraine war Easter truce
The Eastern Orthodox churches and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will celebrate Easter on April 24 this year. Read more
