Argentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, the head of the Vatican’s office for Eastern Churches, called Russia’s military action against Ukraine an “unjustified invasion” and a “senseless war.”
Ukraine
Ash Wednesday Returns to Pre-Pandemic Ways, Stirs Hope in Diocese Faithful
Ash Wednesday 2022 marked the first time since the pandemic uprooted everyone’s lives that Catholics were able to take part in the holy day in a normal fashion. It also marked Bishop Robert Brennan’s first Ash Wednesday since becoming Bishop of Brooklyn in November.
Biden Says Nation Needs to be United, Voices Support for Ukraine
In his first State of the Union address March 1, President Joe Biden emphasized the crucial need to come together as a nation while facing challenges of the continuing pandemic, rising inflation and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian Archbishop Calls on Russia Not to Bomb Historic Cathedral
The Ukrainian Catholic Archdiocese of Kyiv-Halych and the Ukrainian Embassy to the Holy See said they had received information that Russia planned airstrikes on the Cathedral of St. Sophia in Kyiv.
Far From Kyiv, U.S. Church Keeps Ukraine Close in Prayer as Lent Begins
As palm fronds burned in a crackling fire at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington, Atonement Father Jim Gardiner called attention to a more sinister fire burning in another part of the world.
Ukrainian Priest on Front Lines: ‘We Are Responding to Challenge With Dignity’
Ukrainian Father Iurii Stasiuk was appointed as rector of the Greek Catholic Church parish in Barcelona two weeks ago. Yet on Thursday, Feb. 24, soon after Russia invaded Ukraine, the young priest was on the first plane to Poland. After landing, he walked nine miles to Ukraine.
Fleeing War: Volunteers Pitch In With Agencies to Evacuate Ukrainians
As half a million Ukrainians crossed the borders into neighboring countries to flee the war, the European Ukrainian diaspora and ordinary citizens turned out to welcome and help transport, feed and house them.
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.
Church Leaders Join Ukrainian Americans in Praying for Loved Ones, Homeland
Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori offered solidarity with the Ukrainian community, greeting parishioners prior to morning worship and listening to harrowing stories of family members besieged in Ukraine. He strongly condemned the invasion.
Papal Pleas for Peace: Even if Unheeded, Pope Francis Continues Tradition
Pope Francis knows his appeals for an end to the war in Ukraine carry little weight with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but he also knows he has an obligation to continue speaking out and rallying others to join him in praying for peace.