As Russia’s violent monthlong invasion continued to devastate Ukraine, Pope Francis laid the fates of both countries at the feet of Mary in the hopes that peace would finally reign.
War in Ukraine
Archdiocese of Baltimore community rallies in support of Ukraine
As Father Vasyl Sivinskyi swung open the metal gates of East Baltimore’s St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church on a misty March 17 morning, Mary Ellen Beaty-O’Ferrall was already waiting for him with four large boxes.
5 things to know about the Act of Consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Pope Francis has invited all bishops to join him in an Act of Consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25, at noon Eastern Time.
At train stations and borders, Ukrainians face human trafficking threat
Catholic leaders warn the exodus of Ukrainian women and children presents a prime opportunity for human trafficking, and they are taking steps to protect the refugees.
Ukraine is ‘epicenter of spiritual challenge,’ nuncio says
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is not just a tragic conflict between two nations, but the center of a spiritual battle wrought by the forces of evil that have pitted brother against brother, said the apostolic nuncio to Ukraine.
Ukrainian president speaks with pope before addressing Italian leaders
Pope Francis telephoned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before the president addressed the Italian parliament via video link March 22.
Russian Catholics cautious about opinions but welcome consecration to Mary
Although Russia’s Catholics hold different views about the conflict in Ukraine, a spokesman for the country’s bishops said all are united in welcoming Pope Francis’ plan to consecrate their country to the Immaculate Heart of Mary March 25 in a service at the Vatican.
Church’s outreach to refugees follows Jesus’ example, says USCCB committee
The church’s charitable outreach to people fleeing war, political instability, poverty and other threats is a requirement for followers of Jesus, the Administrative Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said in a March 17 statement.
Pope speaks with Russian Orthodox patriarch
Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill spoke via video conference about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the hopes for a peaceful solution, the Vatican said.
Ukrainian Catholic leader to Russian Orthodox Church: Stop Putin’s war
The leader of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the United States said March 15 that he hoped leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church would “open up and hear the Gospel,” which says, “Do not kill,” and tell Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop killing innocent Ukrainians.
Pope to consecrate Russia, Ukraine to Mary
Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during a penitential prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica March 25, the Vatican said.
Prayer is a mission to bring hurting world to God, pope says
The call to prayer is an “active mission,” one that does not take a believer from the world but prompts the believer to bring to God the pain and concerns of the world — including the war in Ukraine, Pope Francis said.