Russia’s war on Ukraine and international reaction to it show how nations still attempt “to govern the world as a chessboard, where the powerful study moves to extend dominance to the detriment of others,” Pope Francis said.
International News
Haunted by Past, Recognizing Need, Parishioners Welcome Ukrainian Refugees
Even before the pastor of Lublin’s Sacred Heart of Jesus parish announced the need for families to host Ukrainian refugees, Stanislawa Wieprzowska went to the sacristy to tell the priest she had room for four people in her three-room apartment.
Pope Meets Hong Kong Bishop, Records Messages to Chinese Catholics
Pope Francis, in a video message recorded on their bishop’s cellphone, encouraged Catholics in Hong Kong and in mainland China to be strong in the face of challenges, to be good citizens and to pray for him as he prays for them.
‘Every Street and Square Will Resist’ Russians, Says Odessa Bishop
A Catholic bishop in the threatened Ukrainian port of Odessa warned of “ferocious resistance” if Russian forces launch a frontal assault.
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.
Catholic Woman from Queens Fights for Troubled Uyghurs
A lawyer from Queens says there is credible evidence of abuses suffered by Uyghurs in China, including forced labor camp internments, forced abortions, sexual abuse, and mandatory sterilizations of women via surgically-placed IUD devices.
Newly Ordained Father Radko Stuck in Ukraine For Weeks
Father Volodymyr Radko had one of the best days of his life — and one of the worst — in a span of just 12 days. On Feb. 12, he was ordained at St. Sophia Church on the campus of Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, the city where he was born. On Feb. 24, the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.
Text of Prayer of Consecration for Ukraine, Russia
Here is the Vatican text of the Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, sent by the Vatican to bishops throughout the world. Pope Francis has invited bishops and the rest of the world to join him when he recites the prayer March 25 in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis Will Consecrate Humanity, ‘Especially Russia and Ukraine,’ to Mary, Text Says
While Pope Francis and bishops around the world will consecrate themselves and all humanity to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, they will include the phrase, “especially Russia and Ukraine.”
Ukrainian Refugees Find a Welcome in Polish Convents
The Polish Conference of Major Superiors of Women said March 15 that an estimated 18,000 refugees from Ukraine were receiving spiritual, psychological, medical and material help at 924 convents in Poland and that close to 500 of those communities are sheltering almost 3,000 adults — mostly women — and more than 3,000 children.