Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
The Pope's envoy Cardinal Zuppi. Photo: Ukrinform
Pope Leo XIV’s special envoy, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, discussed humanitarian issues and prisoner exchanges during a three-day visit to Moscow and personally met with Ukrainian servicemen held in Russian captivity, Reuters reports.
During talks with Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov and representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Vatican envoy discussed prospects for resolving the conflict, as well as humanitarian issues, including the return of displaced children and arrangements for prisoner-of-war exchanges.
The sides also discussed the situation in the city of Oleshky, Kherson region. The Russian Foreign Ministry claimed that the Ukrainian side was blocking attempts to deliver humanitarian aid to residents of the city, while Ukrainian authorities say Russia is preventing civilians from leaving.
During the trip, Cardinal Zuppi was given the opportunity to visit Ukrainian servicemen held in Russia. The Russian Foreign Ministry said the Vatican cardinal spoke personally with the prisoners and observed their detention conditions. The ministry said the three days of consultations confirmed the constructive nature of dialogue between the Holy See and Russia, as well as both sides’ readiness to continue cooperation.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Pope Leo XIV called for concessions for the sake of peace in Ukraine.
Read also
Met. Meletiy consecrates house of worship for UOC community in Dankivtsi
Members of the persecuted UOC Intercession parish in Dankivtsi have converted a house into a place for communal prayer and worship services.
OCU eparchy sells church center site to developer for housing
The OCU’s Volyn Eparchy sold land intended for a spiritual center to a private developer planning to build townhouses and residential buildings.
SBU names UOC priest’s wife a suspect in Cherkasy region
The SBU accused Matushka Kateryna Prykotenko of “spreading enemy propaganda” through correspondence with parishioners.
UGCC cleric calls Russian Orthodox literature dangerous for clergy
While examining the causes of divisions within the UGCC, Yustyn Boiko concluded that Russian Orthodox literature had influenced Greek Catholic clergy.
UOC will play major role in achieving peace, says Vadym Novynskyi
UOC Protodeacon Vadym Novynskyi believes the Church will help bring about reconciliation within Ukrainian society after the war ends.
Catholic media outraged by forcible conscription of Uniate cleric
The Vatican’s Apostolic Nunciature has demanded the return of a forcibly mobilized Greek Catholic cleric.