Cardinal Zuppi begins mission to Ukraine, prays for end to war - Vatican News
David Martinez ·
· News about the Church
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi began a four-day visit to Ukraine with a stop at the Zakhid-1 detention center, where prisoners captured while fighting for the Russian army are held. Bringing gifts and a message from Pope Leo XIV, he told them the Pope is praying for them and expressed hope they would soon return home. The visit, part of a second humanitarian mission, reflects the Church's closeness to those affected by war, supporting prisoner exchanges and the return of deported Ukrainian children. A simple keychain, a holy card, and a photograph became signs of hope for a new beginning.