According to Pope Francis' statement on Sunday, the Vatican is ready to assist in the return of Ukrainian children who have been taken to Russia or occupied territory. "The Vatican is involved in a peace mission to try to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine." A mission is currently underway, but it has not yet been made public. After a three-day visit to Hungary, the pope told reporters, "I will reveal it when it is public." Opening channels, I believe, is always the first step toward peace. You can never accomplish harmony through conclusion. ... This is difficult."
Francis has pleaded for peace almost every week since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and has repeatedly expressed a desire to serve as a mediator between Kiev and Moscow. His proposition has so far neglected to create any leap forward. Ukraine PM Denys Shmyhal met the pope at the Vatican on Thursday and said he had examined a "harmony equation" set forward by President Zelenskyy.