A growing channel between Kyiv and the Holy See is opening new possibilities for humanitarian action, international diplomacy, and the protection of Ukrainians.

This was stated by Ukraine’s Ambassador to the Vatican, Andrii Yurash, in an interview with Ukrainian Radio.

The Holy See consistently supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Vatican also backs Ukrainian efforts aimed at achieving a just peace and countering Russian aggression.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to the Vatican, Andriy Yurash, said in an interview with Ukrainian Radio that Kyiv’s cooperation with the Holy See covers humanitarian, diplomatic, and international areas. In July, two official Vatican representatives visited Ukraine and were received by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Humanitarian and Diplomatic Support for Ukraine

According to Andriy Yurash, discussions with Vatican representatives focused on further assistance for Ukrainians and the use of the Holy See’s diplomatic capabilities on the international stage. Since the beginning of Russia’s armed aggression, the Vatican has launched or expanded a number of humanitarian initiatives for Ukraine.

Fundamental issues were discussed… First, the broadest possible humanitarian support. This includes practical assistance and the continuation of several humanitarian aid initiatives for Ukraine, which, at the initiative of the Holy See, were either launched very actively or expanded to the fullest extent from the first days of the armed aggression against Ukraine. Second, it is the fullest possible support for Ukraine on the international stage through all the levers, opportunities, and diplomatic channels available to the Holy See

– Andriy Yurash

In the ambassador’s assessment, the Vatican supports Ukraine’s path toward the European Union. The Holy See also helps Ukrainian diplomacy establish dialogue with Latin American countries.

Andriy Yurash recalled that before Ukraine was granted EU candidate status in June 2022, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed the Ukrainian issue with Pope Francis, who was pontiff at the time.

Countering Recruitment and Returning Prisoners

A separate area of cooperation is countering Russia’s recruitment of citizens of African countries to take part in the war against Ukraine. According to the ambassador, people may be invited to Russia under the pretext of education or employment and later drawn into military action. The Holy See can support an information campaign aimed at preventing this practice.

The Vatican is also involved in humanitarian issues, particularly those concerning the return of Ukrainian prisoners. During his July visit, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi visited a detention camp for Russian prisoners of war. Ukraine is awaiting his trip to Russia and hopes that he will be able to visit places where Ukrainians are being held.

Ukraine-Vatican Relations Are Deepening

Andriy Yurash emphasized that since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s contacts with the Holy See have become much closer and acquired strategic importance. He noted that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already met Pope Leo XIV three times.

I believe that our history has not seen this kind of closeness in relations between Ukraine and the Holy See since diplomatic relations were restored in 1992. Our President has already met Pope Leo XIV three times

– Andriy Yurash

Ukraine continues to use its dialogue with the Holy See to develop humanitarian initiatives, protect Ukrainians affected by the war, and strengthen international support for its territorial integrity.