Zelensky speaks of the main topic of discussion with the Pope

Pope Francis and President Zelensky. Photo: Vatican News

"For all of us in Ukraine, the issues concerning prisoners and deported people remain extremely painful. These include adults and children, many civilians, who are currently in prisons and camps in Russia," says a message on the official Telegram page of the President of Ukraine after Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with Pope Francis.

Zelensky specifically mentioned journalists who are in captivity, as well as other public figures, and also "ordinary people who were captured during the Russian occupation".

"The issue of returning our people home from captivity was the main topic during the meeting with Pope Francis. We are counting on the Holy See’s assistance in bringing Ukrainians held in Russian captivity back home," he stated.

As the UOJ reported, UOJ journalists wrote letters to a U.S. senator, stating that they have been imprisoned for about six months for defending the UOC supported by Senator Vance.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.