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
Ukrainian Catholic leader prays at mass grave in Bucha
‘Seeing the mutilated, breathless bodies, we prayed for their eternal rest,’ Major Archbishop Shevchuk said. Read more
Cardinal Parolin: Ukraine has the right to defend itself, but arms shipments could cause ‘terrible’ escalation
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, discussed the Holy See's diplomatic efforts to stop the fighting in Ukraine... Read more
Pope Francis: Blood of Bucha victims ‘cries out to heaven’ for end to Ukraine war
The pope held up a blue and yellow flag which he said was brought to him from “the martyred city”... Read more
Major archbishop hopes Pope Francis will visit Kyiv ‘as soon as possible’
The pope has said that a visit is “on the table.” Read more
Ukrainian Catholic leader denounces ‘horrific war crimes’ in Bucha
Major Archbishop Shevchuk said: ‘Europe only saw such scenes in the liberation from the Nazis.’ Read more
Will Pope Francis go to Kyiv? Will he call out Putin by name? Here’s what he told the media
The pope was speaking at an in-flight press conference. Read more
Pope Francis laments ‘sacrilegious war’ in Ukraine as he prays Angelus in Malta
‘May we be tireless in praying and in offering assistance to those who suffer,’ the pope said. Read more
Pope Francis: Visit to Kyiv is 'on the table'
Pope Francis on Saturday said a papal visit to Kyiv is "on the table," raising the possibility of a dramatic... Read more
Pope Francis arrives in Malta calling for peace and the protection of life
Pope Francis urged authorities in Malta to protect life and appealed to the international community to work for peace in... Read more
Pope Francis greets Ukraine war refugees before first papal flight of 2022
The group of 15 refugees consisted of mothers and children. Read more
Ukraine war is a reminder of an invisible spiritual battle, Catholic leader says
Major Archbishop Shevchuk said: ‘Bring the devil to light and we will overcome.’ Read more
Priest staying in Ukraine with his parishioners: 'God gives me the strength'
Father Pedro Zafra is a 31-year-old priest from Córdoba, Spain, who arrived in Kyiv in 2011 for priestly formation. He... Read more
‘I’m sorry for the tears,’ says Ukrainian Catholic leader as he details life under bombardment
Major Archbishop Shevchuk said his daily video messages ‘were spontaneous, just to let everyone know that I’m alive.’ Read more
Orthodox leader and Polish Catholic archbishop pray for peace in Ukraine
Patriarch Bartholomew I is visiting Poland to offer his blessing to Ukrainian refugees. Read more
A Catholic priest and a parishioner team up to rescue Ukrainian orphans
A Ukrainian Catholic priest, who is married and a father of seven, recently accompanied one of his parishioners on a... Read more
Catholic leader: Ukraine war presents the world with a choice
Major Archbishop Shevchuk said: ‘Make your choice. Stand on the side of the innocent victims of unjust aggression.’ Read more
Vatican cardinal brings ambulance from Pope Francis to Ukraine
This is the second time that Cardinal Konrad Krajewski has traveled to Lviv since full-scale war broke out. Read more
Pope Francis consecrates Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
In his homily, the pope said that the consecration ‘is no magic formula but a spiritual act.’ Read more
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
