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
As it happened: Pope Francis’ Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Our reporters were inside St. Peter’s Basilica for the consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Read more
5 things to know about Pope Francis’ consecration prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
The prayer will be recited by Catholics worldwide on March 25. Read more
Ukrainian Greek Catholic leader meets head of Orthodox Church of Ukraine
Major Archbishop Shevchuk requested the meeting with the leader of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Read more
Home of Benedict XVI’s late brother opens doors to Ukrainian refugees
Benedict XVI visited his ailing brother at the house in June 2020. Read more
‘I pray to St. John Paul II every day’: How a Ukrainian refugee found shelter at the pope’s former residence
‘Through the intercession of St. John Paul II, God led us to this residence,’ said Eleanor Petritschenko. Read more
Catholic leader: Pray for peace in Ukraine before Russian Orthodox cathedrals worldwide
Major Archbishop Shevchuk praised an interfaith gathering outside a Russian Orthodox cathedral in Jerusalem. Read more
Pope Francis asks all Catholics to take part in consecration of Russia, Ukraine to Immaculate Heart of Mary
‘I ask you to join in this act by inviting the priests, religious and faithful to assemble in their churches... Read more
Vatican releases text for March 25 consecration prayer for Ukraine, Russia
The Vatican has sent bishops around the world the text of the prayer that Pope Francis will lead on March... Read more
Catholic parishes in Ukraine have become ‘humanitarian hubs,’ major archbishop says
‘May the war stop! May the Lord God bless our land,’ said Major Archbishop Shevchuk. Read more
Cardinal Parolin urges negotiation to find a ‘win-win solution’ to war in Ukraine
‘The message of the Holy See, of the Holy Father, is to stop the war,’ the Vatican Secretary of State... Read more
Poland’s Catholics dig deep to help Ukrainian refugees
Catholics have donated record sums to Caritas Poland, the country’s largest charity. Read more
In new phone call, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy tells Pope Francis he would welcome Vatican mediation
The Ukrainian president said he told the pope about ‘the blocking of rescue corridors by Russian troops.’ Read more
Ukrainian Catholic leader accuses Russia of ‘genocide’ in besieged city of Mariupol
Major Archbishop Shevchuk said: ‘People are dying not only from enemy weapons but also from hatred.’ Read more
Will Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI join in the consecration of Russia and Ukraine? Here's the answer
Pope Francis has invited the bishops of the world to join him in praying for the consecration of Russia and... Read more
Pope Francis pleads for an end to 'abhorrent' war in Ukraine
Pope Francis continued to call for an end to the war in Ukraine Sunday, calling the violence against innocent Ukrainians... Read more
Could Pope Francis visit Ukraine? Here’s what his representative in Kyiv said
Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas spoke to EWTN's Raymond Arroyo about the hardships and hopes of Ukrainians trapped in Kyiv. Read more
‘Ukraine is fighting,’ says Catholic leader after war enters 4th week
Major Archbishop Shevchuk called for prayers for Ukraine’s medical workers. Read more
Catholics in Ireland hope to host Ukrainian refugees
‘We want to be able to open our doors and welcome them as much as possible,’ said Archbishop Martin. Read more
Vatican confirms Pope Francis is inviting world’s bishops to join in Ukraine-Russia consecration
The pope is asking the bishops ‘to join him in praying for peace and in consecrating and entrusting Russia and... Read more
Pope Francis to Europe’s Catholic bishops: The blood of Ukrainian children stirs our consciences
‘We would never have thought to see such scenes again,’ the pope said. Read more
