The release of the two Ukrainian priests imprisoned in Russia involved the personal work of Pope Francis. This was noted by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on his social media, where he thanked the Vatican for its efforts in a prisoner exchange. It was also confirmed by the leader of the Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine.
ARZ. SVIATOSLAV SHEVCHUK
Primate, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
I would like to express my gratitude, on my behalf and on behalf of our entire Church, to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who personally participated in the release of our priests, Fathers Bohdan and Ivan. Despite the great obstacles, as their imprisonment lasted more than a year and a half, it was the efforts of Vatican diplomacy that proved to be successful.
This is just one of the many actions that Vatican diplomacy has taken since the beginning of the Ukraine war.
As part of the Vatican's peace gestures, Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Zuppi as his special envoy. One of his priorities is the return home of Ukrainian children from Russia. At the end of 2023, Cardinal Zuppi said the task is difficult, but is being achieved little by little.
CARD. MATTEO ZUPPI
Archbishop of Bologna, Italy
We are beginning to protect the little ones, as you have recalled. This is the task of the mission entrusted to me by Pope Francis, which is beginning to bear some fruit for those who need to be reunited with their families.
No details have been released by the Vatican on whether any group of children have been returned to Ukraine. Keeping a low profile, the Vatican has also not commented on Pope Francis' personal involvement in the release of the two Ukrainian priests.
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TR: AT
