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.
Ukraine
Text of Prayer For Peace in Ukraine Recited by Pope
Here is the CNS translation of the prayer for peace Pope Francis recited at his weekly general audience March 16. The prayer was composed by Archbishop Domenico Battaglia of Naples.
Pope Francis Prays For an End to War in Ukraine
Asking God to forgive all people tempted by violence, Pope Francis prayed for an end to the war in Ukraine and the fratricidal killing of both combatants and civilians caught in the crossfire.
Diplomats, Including Ukrainian and Russian, Pray for Peace at Vatican
Under the gaze of a painting of “Mary, Untier of Knots” and with dozens of diplomats from around the world, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, celebrated a Mass for peace in Ukraine.
Archbishop Claims Pope Francis Is Being Prevented From Speaking to Putin
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.
Displaced Ukrainians Find Shelter in Lviv Churches, Schools, Orphanage
The massive movement of women and children fleeing Russian bombardments in Eastern Ukraine has led hundreds of thousands of them to Lviv, less than 50 miles from the Polish border.
Kyiv Mayor Invites Pope to Visit as Sign of Solidarity, Witness for Peace
Mayor Vitali Klitschko of Kyiv, Ukraine’s besieged capital, has invited Pope Francis and other religious leaders to come to the city and witness for peace.
‘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.
Brooklyn Store Owner Supports Ukraine With Name Change
Residents and business owners in Brighton Beach — a community where Russians and Ukrainians have been living peacefully side by side for decades — are displaying their support for Ukraine in a variety of ways since the Russian invasion began February 24.
For Ukrainians in New York, TPS Rule Change Offers Hope
Kateryna Koval of Brighton Beach was relieved when she heard that the Biden Administration has extended the Temporary Protection Status (TPS) program to include Ukrainians living here in the U.S. who do not want to go back with the Russian invasion going on. “Good thing. It gives peace of mind,” she said.