Crisis in Ukraine

Ukrainian church leaders have voiced skepticism over a planned Vatican “peace mission” to their war-torn country and have complained of being left in the dark about Rome’s intentions.

Ukrainian Catholics in the U.S. are hailing a surprise meeting between Pope Francis and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with a mixture of elation and wariness.

– In encouraging the peaceful resolution of conflicts and in promoting the common good on the international stage, the Vatican embraces a strategy of “positive neutrality,” which allows it to dialogue with all sides, Pope Francis said.

When Pope Francis told reporters the Vatican had some kind of “mission” underway to promote an end to the war in Ukraine, journalists naturally were intrigued.

Shortly after urging people to pray the rosary for peace and entrusting the people of Ukraine to Mary’s care, Pope Francis met briefly with Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, director of external relations for the Russian Orthodox Church.

Moscow is not working with the Vatican to end the war in Ukraine, said a Kremlin spokesperson.