Although Pope Francis repeatedly has spoken out on behalf of the Ukrainian people, this was not the first time Ukrainian officials have been upset with Pope Francis for what they see as equating the actions of the aggressor with the victim.
Ukraine
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Pope Francis’ expected meeting with Patriarch Kirill is off after Russian Orthodox leader cancels Kazakhstan trip
The pope told the patriarch that “we are not clerics of the state, we cannot use the language of politics, but of Jesus.”
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Six months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Pope Francis calls for an end to ‘the madness of war’
“Today, in a special way, six months since the start of the war, let us think of Ukraine and Russia, two countries I consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary…. We need peace.”
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Will Pope Francis visit Ukraine? A September trip is possible.
After Pope Francis met with Ukraine’s ambassador to the Holy See, the ambassador suggested that a papal visit to that war-torn country may happen in the near future.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
What Pope Francis’ meeting with a top Orthodox official could signal for Russia-Vatican relations
For the first time since the start of the war in Ukraine, Pope Francis received in a private audience this morning a top-ranking member of the Russian Orthodox Church, second only to patriarch Kirill of Moscow.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis could meet with Patriarch Kirill in Kazakhstan, still hopes to visit Ukraine
Pope Francis will travel next month to Kazakhstan, where he could meet with Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, who has supported Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
Interview: Archbishop Gallagher on Vatican diplomacy, Ukraine and the threat of World War III
“We’re getting to a very dangerous situation worldwide,” the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states said, “and it wouldn’t take much to make things even worse” and to arrive at “a world in conflict.”
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis tells religious orders: Do not be ashamed to denounce abusive priests and brothers.
In an address to members of three religious orders, the pope asked for “zero tolerance” for abusers in the church and expressed his “closeness” with the people of Ukraine.
Posted inArt, Arts & Culture
‘I believe that good will prevail’: A Ukrainian artist’s optimism in the face of Putin’s war
Ukranian artist Mykola Zhuravel talks about his exhibit “Invasion Redux” and the naked aggression of Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
Posted inFaith, News
In new interview, Pope Francis discusses abortion, the Vatican’s controversial China deal and resignation rumors
In a wide-ranging interview with the Reuters news agency, Pope Francis condemned abortion, dismissed the idea that he’s preparing to resign and said he still hopes to be able to visit Russia and Ukraine in the fall.