Russia

February 6, 2015

Catholic, Orthodox leaders urge 'unity against aggression' in Ukraine

Ukrainians walk past symbolic crosses set up by protesters in front of the Russian embassy in Kiev, Ukraine, Feb. 1.

WARSAW, Poland - Catholic and Orthodox archbishops in Ukraine appealed for national unity against pro-Russia separatists as calls mounted for the United States to help arm Ukrainian forces.

Published in International

February 4, 2015

War in Ukraine, between Christians is a scandal, Pope says

A crucifix and image of Christ are seen in the casket of Georgian Tomaz Sukhiashvili, a member of a self-defense battalion, during his Jan. 21 funeral in Kiev, Ukraine. The United Nations estimated that at least 224 civilians have been killed and another 545 people wounded since mid-January, raising the death toll to more than 5,300 people since April.

VATICAN CITY - The only word worthy of being heard in the throes of war is "peace," and there is nothing more scandalous than a nation made up of Christians engaged in conflict, Pope Francis said.

Published in International

December 15, 2014

Lithuanian archbishop worried Russia will move against Baltic states

A woman holds a baby Aug. 18 at a temporary tent camp set up for Ukrainian refugees near the Russian-Ukrainian border. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated Aug. 15 that 155,800 Ukrainians had been displaced by fighting, more than 2,000 people had been killed since mid-April and another 5,000 had been injured.

WARSAW, Poland - A top Baltic church leader voiced concern about possible Russian aggression against Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, and appealed to Western Catholics to be better informed about the situation.

Published in International

July 30, 2014

Ukraine crisis shows the danger of manipulating truth, chaplain says

Pro-Russia protesters scuffle with the police at the regional government building in Donetsk, Ukraine, April 6.

ROME - Propaganda and fear were the sparks that ignited the conflict in eastern Ukraine, a conflict that has become a real war, said a Jesuit military chaplain.

Published in International

April 12, 2013

Russian Catholics surprised at government raids on churches, charities

Following a February order by Russian President Vladimir Putin to conduct checks on NGOs in Russia, the local Catholic Church has seen a number of raids on its parishes and charities. Putin is seen here with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II in this 2008 CNS file photo.

OXFORD, England - Russia's Catholic Church expressed surprise and concern after a wave of raids on its parishes and charities, part of a government clampdown on organizations with foreign links.

Published in International