Shevchuk thanks Catholic cardinal for visit to Russia
The UGCC head called Catholic Cardinal Matteo Zuppi’s visit to Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia an extremely important step.
UGCC head Sviatoslav Shevchuk, in his regular video address, thanked Pope Leo XIV’s special envoy, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, for traveling to Russia and visiting Ukrainian prisoners. According to the UGCC head, international institutions had previously been unable to gain access to prisoners at their places of detention.
“Until now, the Russians have not allowed any international institution to visit the places where our young women and men are being held,” Shevchuk said. “This is an extremely important gesture and step. Just imagine: a prisoner of war is not simply in a place of confinement – he is isolated from time and space... And then, in this realm of captivity, abuse, and human suffering, the Pope’s envoy appears with a word of blessing.”
The UGCC leader stressed that the visit was intended to demonstrate support for those in captivity. “It means that no one has been forgotten. The Lord God remembers everyone,” he added.
As the UOJ previously reported, the UGCC head compared the Vatican Secretary of State’s visit to Moscow to a descent into hell.
