RCC head: Vatican is involved in secret Ukraine peace mission

Pope Francis. Photo: reuters.com

Pope Francis said that the Vatican is participating in a "not yet public" peace mission, the purpose of which is "to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine." He said this while talking to reporters during a flight following his visit to Hungary, reports Reuters.

The pontiff said that he had spoken on the issue of resolving the "Russian-Ukrainian conflict" with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and with Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Budapest of the Russian Orthodox Church.

According to him, “there is a mission in course now but it is not yet public. When it is public, I will reveal it.”

“We have to do all that is humanly possible. <...> I think that peace is always made by opening channels. You can never achieve peace through closure. ... This is not easy," he added.

As the UOJ reported, the Pope met with Metropolitan Hilarion in Budapest.

Read also

Metr. Saba Appeals for Lebanon Relief Donations

Metr. Saba calls for urgent donations to aid displaced families in Lebanon.

New Orthodox Parish School Set to Open in Pennsylvania

"The School has been in the prayers of St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church since the community's founding in 1992," a press release states. "Through God, all things are possible!"

Ancient Monastic Complex Found in Egypt

A newly discovered Egyptian site highlights the scale and sophistication of early monastic life.

Ukrainian Protodeacon Alleges False Prosecutions of Priests

Protodeacon Vadim Novinsky said that the vast majority of criminal cases opened against Ukrainian Orthodox Church clergy are fabricated, with the government threatening them to accept plea deals.

Abp. Mark Visits Holy Apostles Parish for Lenten Weekend

Abp. Mark’s visit blended worship, teaching, and encouragement during the Lenten journey.

Abp. Alexei Delivers Lenten Homily in Anchorage

A Lenten homily in Alaska called the faithful back to patient, step-by-step transformation in Christ.