World News
Mediterranean church, political leaders cry out for peace
A gathering of 60 bishops and 65 mayors from cities in 20 countries around the Mediterranean basin in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa stressed dialogue to avoid the suffering of war.
‘With a heart broken,’ pope prays for peace in Ukraine
Pope Francis, after meeting with the Russian ambassador, calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and speaking with Ukraine's top archbishop, said "we beg God more intensely" for peace.
Pope visits Russian Embassy to express concern over war
According to the Russian ambassador in Rome, the focus of his conversation with Pope Francis Feb. 25 was "the humanitarian situation in Ukraine" and the "protection of people."
Europeans, shocked at Russian invasion of Ukraine, pray for peace
The leader of a Catholic community in Rome lamented that amid hope for "a century of peace, at least in Europe" after the Cold War, nationalism arose and weapons were deployed. Now, "we've all lost."
Pope ordered to rest painful knee, will skip two key events
Pope Francis, dealing with sciatica and knee problems that affect his ability to stand for long periods, will not travel to Florence or celebrate Mass for Ash Wednesday.
‘In the name of God, stop now!’ European leaders react to Ukraine attacks
Catholic leaders meeting in Italy Feb. 24 appealed for peace and expressed alarm about the potential for "a humanitarian catastrophe" after Russia attacked Ukraine. One cardinal urged governments to welcome Ukrainians fleeing their homeland.
There’s still time to stop ‘horrors’ of war, Vatican official says
The Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, pleaded for an end to hostilities Feb. 24 after Russia's decision to invade Ukraine. He held "hope for a glimmer of conscience" of leaders who "hold in their hands the fortunes of the world."
Pope calls for day of prayer, fasting for peace in Ukraine
As the threat of war loomed over the world, Pope Francis on Feb. 23 called on people to pray and fast for peace in Ukraine on Ash Wednesday, March 2. "May the Queen of Peace protect the world from the folly of war," he said.
Ukrainian archbishop assures people that God is with them
As Russia fired missiles on several Ukrainian cities, Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, said from Kyiv that his country risked becoming "a death camp" because of Russian aggression.
Catholics in Poland, Western Ukraine welcome people fleeing threat of war
The head of the Polish bishops' conference asked Polish Catholics to continue praying for peace, but also to be prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees. Catholic Relief Services in the U.S. was prepared to help as tensions mount.