The world marked a somber occasion this week with the fourth anniversary of war in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
The head of the worldwide Ukrainian Catholic Church, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, reflected on the conflict that he termed “a disgrace for humanity” and praised Ukrainians’ continued resistance in the face of hardship.
Pope Leo XIV arranged to send much-needed heaters, generators and medicine to Ukraine.
The Holy See’s apostolic nuncio to Ukraine observes how the people of Ukraine continue to help one another without losing hope.
Other prelates have decried the failure of war even as a path to peace is sought, and the witness of hope in overcoming evil.
The prayers and generosity of the international community shows solidarity with the Ukraine people during the war, according to the Catholic Caritas agencies in the country.
The small Catholic population in Russia also seeks a timely end to the war, according to an official of the Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow.
Church Warns Against Nations’ Massive Arms Spending in Space, on AI
At a United Nations disarmament conference, the Holy See warned against the militarization of outer space and artificial intelligence. The Vatican’s representative echoed Pope Leo’s call for disarmament amid the massive expansion of arms budgets.
When the “dangerous path of deterrence” replaces all diplomatic efforts, “humanity and our planet as a whole risk being pushed towards the edge of devastation and destruction,” said the representative.
A new Military Balance report cited defense spending across the globe continues to rise amid geopolitical tensions.
The human cost of war is underscored in South Sudan, which observers say is at risk of sliding into full-scale civil war.
Following the killing of a Mexican drug lord in a military operation and subsequent violence erupting across Mexico, the country’s bishops are calling for restraint, prayers, and prudence.
Pope Writes Book on Peace; Plans Visits to Africa, Europe
The English-language version of a new book by Pope Leo, “Peace Be With You,” became available in bookstores this week. Read the pope’s introduction to the book here in which he calls peace “one of the great issues of our time,” and a “gift from God built by men and women throughout the ages.”
Pope Leo sent a message to a religious education conference in Los Angeles, calling the gathering a time for spiritual renewal of educators.
The pope and key Vatican officials concluded their week-long Lenten retreat, led by Bishop Erik Varden, with themes including Church crises, glory, angels, and communicating hope.
At his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Leo advised his listeners to “make your life a masterpiece.”
The Vatican announced that the pope plans to make apostolic visits to Africa, Monaco and Spain this year.
The Holy Father also announced that a Lebanese monk and a French Franciscan will be declared “Blessed” this year.
Catholics Active in Spain, Italy, South Korea, Philippines
In Barcelona, Spain, the central tower of the massive Sagrada Familia basilica was completed, bringing the church to its maximum height even as interior work continues.
Some 18,000 people passed by the mortal remains of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy on Feb. 22. The relics are exposed for the veneration of the faithful for the first time in almost 800 years.
Catholics in Seoul, South Korea have begun a series of public Masses opposing the extension and expansion of nuclear power plants, ahead of the 15th anniversary of the Fukushima disaster in Japan.
Filipinos in Rome celebrated the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, a peaceful uprising that ended two decades of dictatorship in the Philippines in 1986.
Share this story