Several Catholic aid organizations are affirming they remain “united in hope” for Ukraine, as Russia’s war on that nation relentlessly rages on.
Ukraine
Several prominent American Catholics have launched a petition calling for the end of Russia’s religious persecution in occupied areas of Ukraine.
A historic Bernardine monastery complex and the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in the western Ukraine city of Lviv were hit by aerial drone strikes March 24, just ahead of the observance of Holy Week.
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.”
Amid disaster and division, Catholics across the world celebrated Christmas by lifting up their hope in Christ, finding renewed faith and joy even — and especially — in profoundly challenging circumstances.
Dominican Sister María Lucía Caram Padilla was awarded the Order of Princess Olga, III class, by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for her efforts in providing humanitarian aid and support since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
Pope Leo XIV asked Catholics to observe Aug. 22 as a day of prayer and fasting for peace and justice, particularly in Ukraine and in the Holy Land.
Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Pope Leo XIV reiterated his willingness to host representatives of Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican for peace negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Pope Leo XIV for his support of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and he invited the newly-elected pontiff to visit the war-torn nation.
As the full-scale Russian invasion in Ukraine reached a tragic threshold of three years Feb. 24, religious sisters are bringing rays of sunshine to those who don’t know how to smile anymore, including children whose carefree childhood disappeared, and farmers, whose fields are mined and useless.