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.

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