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Here’s the latest on the Ukraine crisis, as Russian forces close in on the capital, Kyiv.
Pope Francis visited the Russian Embassy to the Holy See on Friday morning to, quote, “show his concern for the war.” Expressing great sadness at the worsening situation in Ukraine, Pope Francis asked world leaders to “make a serious examination of conscience before God.”
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250485/pope-francis-visits-russian-embassy-to-vatican-to-show-his-concern-at-ukraine-conflict
The Catholic bishops’ conference of Russia has called on political leaders to end the conflict with Ukraine. “Our peoples deserve peace,” the bishops said, “not just the absence of war, but the kind of peace that consists in a firm determination to respect other people, other peoples, and their dignity.”
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250483/russia-s-catholic-bishops-call-on-leaders-to-end-conflict-with-ukraine
The Catholic Church in Poland is mobilizing to help thousands of Ukrainians seeking refuge in the country. Parishes and Church institutions in the Central European country are opening their doors to a stream of refugees crossing the 332-mile border with Ukraine. Other Church organizations are preparing retreat houses and other buildings to house people fleeing the war. Jasna Góra, Poland’s largest shrine, is providing space for Ukrainians in its pilgrim house.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250482/how-poland-s-catholics-are-helping-ukrainian-refugees
The Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need has committed one million euros to support the work of the Church in Ukraine, and is accepting help raising funds to assist the Church in the country. Among other things, the financial support will aid the 4,879 priests and religious brothers and 1,350 religious sisters in Ukraine.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250479/aid-to-church-in-need-ukraine-catholics
The Italian city of Assisi will host a prayer vigil for Ukraine and a Mass for peace in the Basilica of St. Francis this weekend. Assisi, known as “the city of peace,” hosted the Catholic Church’s first World Day of Peace 36 years ago, when Pope John Paul II invited representatives of other world religions to come together to pray for peace.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250486/assisi-to-host-mass-for-peace-in-ukraine-at-the-tomb-of-st-francis
Pope Francis will no longer be traveling to Florence to celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass, citing acute knee pain and doctor-ordered rest. The pope was also scheduled to spend the morning of Feb. 27 in Florence to speak at a meeting of bishops and mayors of the Mediterranean region.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250484/pope-francis-cancels-ash-wednesday-mass-trip-to-florence-due-to-knee-pain
Today, the Church celebrates Blessed Maria Adeodata Pisani, a 19th-century Italian nun who is remembered for her sanctity, love of the poor, self-imposed sacrifices, and ecstasies so complete that she was seen levitating.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/blessed-maria-adeodata-pisani-158