Pope Francis appealed to countries at war to release prisoners and offered special prayers for those who have endured torture.
War in Ukraine
Ukrainian nun: ‘Tell all the world we suffer’ as Russia ramps up attacks
A woman religious based in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia asked OSV News to “tell all the world we suffer” as Russia’s 11-year war and atrocities intensify in Ukraine — and as Western aid is increasingly blocked by skeptical lawmakers.
Take evil seriously, pope says at general audience
While intense feelings or drive — passions — are natural, Christians know they must be tamed and channeled toward what is good, Pope Francis said.
War is ‘folly,’ pope says as he leads prayers for Ukraine, Gaza
Pope Francis held up a well-thumbed, camouflage-covered pocket edition of the New Testament and Psalms and a small fabric pouch containing a rosary.
Major archbishop: ‘Special thanks’ to pope on ‘all for all’ prisoner exchange plea
The head of the worldwide Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has offered his gratitude following Pope Francis’ plea for an “all for all” prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
On Easter, pope asks Christ to ‘roll away’ the stones of war worldwide
Just as Jesus removed the stone that sealed his tomb on the morning of the Resurrection, on Easter Christ alone “has the power to roll away the stones that block the path to life” and which trap humanity in war and injustice, Pope Francis said.
Russian occupation forces close more Catholic churches in Ukraine
Russian occupation forces in Ukraine continue to crack down on Catholics, with one militant group sealing off Ukrainian Greek Catholic churches in Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
U.S. Catholic, other Christian leaders condemn Russian strikes on Ukraine energy grid
Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and other Christian leaders in the U.S. have denounced Russia’s massive recent attack on Ukraine’s energy system.
Russian, Ukrainian church leaders react to Moscow terror attack
Russia’s Catholic archbishop has echoed condemnations of a March 22 terror assault which left dozens dead and injured at a Moscow concert venue, although a bishop from war-torn Ukraine warned the atrocity should also remind Russians of what his country was suffering at their hands.
Major Archbishop Shevchuk discusses pope’s primacy, Ukraine’s faith and Russian terror
The head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church has insisted his countrymen will “never surrender” to Russia’s invasion and that the pope’s recent call for a negotiation of terms with Moscow was “deeply hurtful” for his nation.
Vatican says pope has not accepted invitation to go to Russia
Pope Francis has not accepted an invitation to travel to Moscow in June to meet with Vladimir Putin, the director of the Holy See press office said.
Papal envoy asks prayers for peace, solidarity with victims of war
Pope Francis’ envoy for peace in Ukraine asked his fellow bishops and all Catholics in Italy to continue their prayers for peace in Ukraine and in the Holy Land, but also to make those prayers concrete through acts of solidarity.