Catholic Church in Ukraine

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk (L) greets his predecessor, Cardinal Lubomyr Husar (R), who died May 31, 2017. Photo courtesy of the Ukrainian Archeparchy of Kyiv-Halych.

Ukraine's Cardinal Lubomyr Husar recalled as a spiritual father

Jun 6, 2017

Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, Major Archbishop Emeritus of Kyiv-Halych and former head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, died May 31... Read more

Prayer candle at a Military Chaplaincy in the Ukraine. Photo Courtesy of Aid to the Church in Need.

Pope donates 6 million euro to Ukraine relief efforts for Christmas

Dec 23, 2016

By Elise Harris

After taking up a collection earlier this year to aid families affected by the ongoing crisis in Eastern Ukraine, Pope... Read more

Protestors take refuge and pray for peace in one of two tent-chapels on Maidan Square in Kiev.

As Ukraine conflict continues, Christians seek unity and peace

Sep 3, 2016

By Andrea Gagliarducci

To overcome conflicts, to fight hatred with goodness, to make Ukraine a free and European country: these are the tasks... Read more

Pope sets up group to allocate crisis funds in Ukraine

Jun 9, 2016

By Elise Harris

After raising funds for humanitarian relief in Ukraine through a special collection in Europe, Pope Francis has established a committee... Read more

Vatican envoy: Ukrainian refugees just want to go back home

May 3, 2016

By Andrea Gagliarducci

“I want to go back home.” This is the most common phrase uttered by internally displaced persons in Ukraine, says... Read more

Volunteers distribute food to Ukrainians displaced from their homes by the violence.

Francis announces special collection for victims of Ukraine conflict

Apr 3, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Sunday Pope Francis announced that a special collection will be taken up in all Catholic churches in Europe April... Read more

Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, prefect of the papal household, greets Russian president Vladimir Putin upon his arrival at the Vatican, June 10, 2015.

Ukraine crisis the focal point in Pope's discussion with Putin

Jun 10, 2015

By Elise Harris

In the second meeting between Pope Francis and Russian president Vladimir Putin, held on Wednesday at the Vatican, the discussion... Read more

An anti-government protestor stands on top of a barricade on Grushevskogo Street Jan. 29, 2014 in Kiev, Ukraine.

Archbishop: Ukrainian conflict is Europe's biggest crisis since WWII

Jun 7, 2015

By Elise Harris

The head of Ukraine’s Greek Catholic Church said the country is facing a “humanitarian catastrophe” with global consequences that cannot... Read more

A young religious sister prays at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, Jan. 17, 2105.

Power of prayer: Contemplative cloisters coming to Crimea?

Mar 14, 2015

By Kate Veik

It’s been one year since fighting broke out in Ukraine. The death toll has surpassed 6,000. Almost 1 million people... Read more

German Chancellor Angela Merkel prepares to meet Pope Francis.

Ukraine, poverty, G7 discussed by Pope, German chancellor

Feb 21, 2015

The ongoing crisis in Ukraine was among the topics covered by Pope Francis and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in their... Read more

Pope Francis prays with journalists on the papal flight en route to South Korea on Aug. 14, 2014.

Pope Francis urges end to scandal of 'fratricidal' violence in Ukraine

Feb 4, 2015

By Elise Harris

As the number of deaths in Ukraine continue to rise amid escalating violence, Pope Francis has called the war “a... Read more

Pope Francis bows his head in prayer during a Wednesday general audience Oct. 2, 2013.

As Ukraine violence continues, Pope renews call for dialogue

Jan 25, 2015

By Ann Schneible

During his weekly Angelus address, Pope Francis decried the recent escalation of violence in Ukraine, and later called on Christians... Read more

Dr. Geraldine Kelley, a translator of entries in the

The USSR's Catholic martyrs suffered, but they suffered for God

Oct 22, 2014

By Kevin J. Jones

Catholic victims of the Soviet Union’s cruel anti-Christian persecutions faced execution, exile and arbitrary imprisonment for their faith – and... Read more

A Greek Catholic chapel set up in Kyiv's Maidan Square during protests in February, 2014.

Russian expansion endangers Catholics in Ukraine, nuncio warns

Sep 29, 2014

The apostolic nuncio to Ukraine has urged efforts to support Catholics in the nation, warning that Russia’s expansion into the... Read more

A soldier is baptized by a Ukrainian Catholic military chaplain.

Military chaplains: God in the trenches of Ukraine

Sep 25, 2014

By Sofia Kochmar

Since April, Ukraine’s eastern provinces have experienced continual military confrontation between its government, and pro-Russian separatists and Russian forces, and... Read more

Protestors can take refuge and pray for peace in one of two tent-chapels on Maidan Square in Kiev.

Cardinal Dolan: Ukraine 'flowing with blood,' America must speak up

Sep 17, 2014

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York has urged U.S. Catholics to listen to the “chilling” pleas of Greek-Catholic bishops who... Read more

Bishop Jacek Pyl, an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Odessa-Simferopol.

Catholics in Ukrainian border diocese face suffering, uncertainty

Sep 9, 2014

For Catholics in the southeast Ukrainian Diocese of Odessa-Simferopol, ongoing Russian control of Crimea has created serious challenges and “incredible... Read more