Ukraine reacts to Pope Leo's words about imprisoned journalists
There are 32 journalists in Russian captivity. Photo: Facebook Tomilenko
On May 20, 2025, a meeting took place in Kyiv between representatives of the International Press Institute (IPI) and the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) with the Apostolic Nuncio in Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas. As reported on his Facebook page by NUJU head Serhiy Tomilenko, a list of Ukrainian journalists held captive by Russian military was handed over to the Vatican ambassador.
As Tomilenko writes, the reason for the meeting was the recent words of Pope Leo, who spoke in defense of persecuted journalists. He referred to the imprisoned journalists as “witnesses defending dignity, justice, and the right of people to be informed.”
Kulbokas noted that the Vatican is ready to use its diplomatic channels to assist in the release of Ukrainian media workers.
According to NUJU data, there are currently 31 civilian representatives of Ukrainian media and at least one journalist who served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine held captive by Russia.
Earlier, the UOJ analyzed what Orthodox journalists are being prosecuted for in Ukraine.
Read also
In Spain, murderer moved to women's prison after claiming to be female
A Spaniard convicted of a series of brutal murders has secured a transfer to a women's prison allegedly based on a change of gender identity.
Georgian Patriarchate warns about fake social media pages
The Georgian Orthodox Church has stated that unknown individuals are using official symbols to create fake social media pages.
Court extends round-the-clock house arrest for Metropolitan Arseniy
The Chechelivsky Court of Dnipro left the abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra under house arrest and allowed him to attend medical procedures without separate permission.
OCU shows number of parishioners in seized church of Bezuhlivka
About 15 people with flags stood at the first "service" at St. Michael's Church after the seizure.
In Kyiv, OCU and UGCC сhaplains given an introductory tour of synagogue
Ukraine’s chief rabbi said that clergy of the OCU, UGCC, and RCC familiarized themselves with Jewish tradition at a synagogue.
OCU outraged that Lepliavo parish removed church property before seizure
The Cherkasy Eparchy of the OCU complained that after the fake “transfer” in Lepliavo, UOC faithful left them nothing but bare walls.