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

Damage at the Major Theological Seminary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Vorzel, Ukraine.

Ukraine war: Catholic charity to fund restoration of looted seminary

May 11, 2022

By CNA Staff

‘They took everything they could,’ said seminary rector Father Ruslan Mikhalkiv. Read more

Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, addresses Pope Francis at the Vatican, May 6, 2022.

What’s the future of Catholic-Russian Orthodox relations?

May 9, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Pope Francis appears to have burned ecumenical bridges with Moscow. Vatican Cardinal Kurt Koch is seeking to rebuild them. Read more

Pope Francis waves to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Regina Caeli on May 8, 2022.

Mother’s Day: Pope Francis sends moms ‘Our prayer, affection, best wishes’

May 8, 2022

By Katie Yoder

In his Regina Caeli address, Pope Francis asked the faithful to celebrate their mothers in a special way on Sunday,... Read more

Pope Francis meets participants in the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity’s plenary meeting at the Vatican, May 6, 2022.

Pope Francis: ‘Barbarity of war’ should inspire new push for Christian unity

May 6, 2022

By CNA Staff

The pope was addressing members of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Read more

Joe Donnelly, the new US ambassador to the Holy See, meets with Ukrainian refugees in Rome, Italy, on April 21, 2022.

US ambassador to the Holy See meets Ukrainian refugee born in bomb shelter

May 5, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Joe Donnelly met with a Ukrainian mother who had given birth to her baby in a shelter under a hospital. Read more

Pope Francis takes part in a video call with Patriarch Kirill on March 16, 2022.

Russian Orthodox Church: Pope Francis’ comments about talks with Patriarch Kirill ‘regrettable’

May 4, 2022

By CNA Staff

The Moscow Patriarchate said the pope’s words were ‘unlikely to contribute to the establishment of a constructive dialogue.’ Read more

Pope Francis and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Pope Francis says he wants to meet Putin in Moscow to discuss Ukraine war

May 3, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

‘We have not yet had a response,’ the pope said. Read more

Cardinal Timothy Dolan speaks to Colm Flynn of EWTN News In Depth in Hrebenne, Poland.

Cardinal Dolan talks Ukraine, refugee relief, Russian invasion

May 2, 2022

By Kevin J. Jones

The efforts to help Ukraine’s refugees are an inspiration, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York has said at the conclusion... Read more

Pope Francis meets members of the Papal Foundation in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall, April 28, 2022.

Pope Francis thanks Papal Foundation for aid to Ukraine

Apr 28, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The pope said that the foundation brings ‘love, hope, and mercy’ to those it supports. Read more

Pope Francis meets with Patriarch Kirill in Havana, Cuba on Feb. 12, 2016.

Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill: Who could host their 2nd summit?

Apr 27, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

A meeting is off for now, but where could the two men eventually meet? Read more

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill (L)

Pope Francis to Patriarch Kirill: Let’s be ‘true peacemakers’ for war-torn Ukraine

Apr 25, 2022

By CNA Staff

The pope sent Easter greetings to the Russian Orthodox leader. Read more

The aftermath of the Russian occupation of Bucha, Ukraine.

Marking two months of war, Pope Francis says 'the attack must be stopped'

Apr 24, 2022

By CNA Staff

Pope Francis on Sunday renewed his call for a truce in Ukraine, saying "the attack must be stopped." Read more

Pope Francis pictured at the Easter Vigil Mass on April 16, 2022.

Pope Francis: God is weeping for the victims of the Ukraine war

Apr 23, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The pope offered a reflection on "Our Lady of Tears." Read more

Pope Francis greets 80,000 teens on pilgrimage in St. Peter’s Square on April 18, 2022.

Pope Francis: Visit to Kyiv not likely anytime soon

Apr 22, 2022

By CNA Staff

Pope Francis has expressed doubts that he will travel to Kyiv anytime soon. Read more

Pope Francis on Palm Sunday 2022 in St. Peter's Square.

Pope Francis joins UN chief’s appeal for Ukraine war Easter truce

Apr 21, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Eastern Orthodox churches and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will celebrate Easter on April 24 this year. Read more

Major Serhiy Volyna, who has been leading the 36th marine brigade in the battle for the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, pictured holding his letter to Pope Francis.

Ukrainian soldier appeals to Pope Francis to help save the people of Mariupol

Apr 19, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Major Serhiy Volyna, who has been leading the 36th marine brigade in the battle for the Ukrainian port city of... Read more

Irina, from Ukraine, and Albina, from Russia, hold the cross at Rome’s Colosseum, April 15, 2022.

Vatican adapts Good Friday Way of the Cross after outcry in Ukraine

Apr 15, 2022

By CNA Staff

The original plan was strongly criticized by Ukrainian Catholic leaders. Read more

Papal envoy Cardinal Konrad Krajewski prays at a mass grave in Ukraine on Good Friday, April 15, 2022.

Good Friday 2022: Papal envoy prays at mass grave in Ukraine

Apr 15, 2022

By CNA Staff

Cardinal Konrad Krajewski visited the newly liberated areas around the capital Kyiv. Read more

Pope Francis is interviewed by Lorena Bianchetti at the Vatican.

Good Friday 2022: Pope Francis says ‘world has chosen the path of Cain’

Apr 15, 2022

By CNA Staff

‘War is everywhere,’ he told interviewer Lorena Bianchetti. Read more

Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, the Eparchial Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London, England.

How the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church spread worldwide

Apr 15, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

In 1946, the Church’s very existence was threatened. Today, it is thriving worldwide. Read more