Catholic Cardinal Zuppi Visits Russian Prisons Holding Ukrainian POWs, UGCC Head Commends Effort

Roman Catholic Cardinal Zuppi in Russia. Photo: avvenire.it

The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), Sviatoslav Shevchuk, expressed gratitude for Cardinal Matteo Zuppi’s visit to Russia, where he met with Ukrainian prisoners held there. In a regular video address, Shevchuk highlighted the significance of the visit, noting that international institutions had previously been denied access to the detention facilities.

“Until now, the Russians have not allowed any international institution to visit the places where our young women and men are being held,” Shevchuk stated. “This is an extremely important gesture and step. Just imagine: a prisoner of war is not simply in a place of confinement – he is isolated from time and space… And then, in this realm of captivity, abuse, and human suffering, the Pope’s envoy appears with a word of blessing.”

Shevchuk emphasized that the visit was meant to show solidarity with those in captivity. “It means that no one has been forgotten. The Lord God remembers everyone,” he added.

The UGCC leader described the visit as a meaningful act of support for those held in Russia. The visit followed previous criticisms from the UGCC head, who had compared the Vatican Secretary of State’s visit to Moscow to a descent into hell.

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