Conflict in Ukraine

Catholic and Orthodox leaders are expressing shock and outrage after a Russian drone strike heavily damaged a historic monastery complex in Kyiv, Ukraine, with a cathedral set ablaze.

The apostolic nuncio to Ukraine expressed his support for initiatives that will lead to the end of war following the release of an open letter by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling for peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Hearteningly, Fr. Roman Ostrovsky, the rector of the Kyiv Three Saints Seminary, has heard multiple Ukrainian soldiers express an interest in the consecrated life once the war with Russia comes to an end.

The Canadian Council of Churches urges continued Christian witness against Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war has fundamentally reshaped the Catholic Church’s mission, turning parishes into shelters, priests into chaplains and charity into daily survival.

Pope Leo XIV has renewed his "heartfelt appeal" for an "immediate ceasefire" in Russia's war against Ukraine and again urged dialogue "be strengthened to pave the way toward peace."

Nearly four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, intensified Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure are deepening the country's humanitarian crisis.

Fr. Andrew Onuferko beheld the terrible sounds, sights and pervasive climate of fear of the Russo-Ukrainian war during his visit to Lviv, the largest city in the key Lviv Oblast region of western Ukraine.

Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Pope Leo XIV reiterated the importance of dialogue and his hopes for a just and lasting peace in the region.

As Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians accompany U.S.-brokered peace talks that as of Dec. 3 produced no breakthrough, Ukraine's religious leaders warn that failure to halt Russia and hold it accountable will expand the war to Europe.