On Friday, 23 January, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine.

The interlocutors discussed current issues in the interaction between Ukraine and the Holy See, as well as the next steps for the development of bilateral dialogue.

The meeting highlighted the importance of transferring St. Nicholas Church in Kyiv to the Catholic community to further strengthen relations between Ukraine and the Holy See.

“We are grateful to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for his prayers and moral solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We value the consistent support and efforts of the Holy See in addressing the humanitarian consequences of the war, particularly for Ukrainian children - including support for their rehabilitation and the return of those illegally deported by Russia,” the Foreign Minister stated.

The Minister also briefed the Apostolic Nuncio on the progress of peace efforts and the consequences of Russian missile attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.

Andrii Sybiha expressed gratitude to the Holy See for advocating Ukraine’s interests internationally.