Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has thwarted efforts by Pope Francis to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian Archbishop Borys Gudziak said on March 15.
Russian President Vladimir Putin
‘Defend These Innocent Civilians,’ Says Ukrainian Catholic Archbishop
Russian President Vladimir Putin did not invade Ukraine out of concern that NATO would encroach on his borders, but concern about “the disease of democracy that could spread like a virus, and that’s deadly for oligarchies and authoritarian rulers,” said the archbishop who serves as a “foreign minister” for the Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Vatican Diplomat Says Russia Has ‘Noted’ Offer of Mediation in Ukraine War
According to the Vatican’s top diplomat, Russia has “taken note” of the Holy See’s willingness to mediate between the Kremlin and Ukraine to put an end to the war, but has made no sign of wanting to take up the offer.
U.N. Official: Ukraine Exodus Is Fastest-Growing Refugee Crisis Since WWII
A top United Nations official said March 6 that the world hasn’t seen a refugee crisis such as the one developing in Eastern Europe, caused by Russia’s attack on Ukraine, since the last World War.
Church Leaders Urge Russian Patriarch to Speak with Putin
Catholic and Orthodox leaders in Europe have appealed to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, urging him to convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to put an end to the bloodshed in Ukraine.
Ukrainian New Yorker Worries for Her Family’s Safety Back Home
Vironika Giacchi isn’t getting much sleep these days. And who could blame her? Giacchi, a Ukrainian living on Staten Island, is desperately worried about her family and friends back home.