Representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations and the Pope's envoy, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Bishops' Conference, discussed the prospects for establishing a just peace in Ukraine and humanitarian aspects during the war. 

The meeting took place on June 5, 2023, in Kyiv at the premises of the Apostolic Nunciature in Ukraine.  

The UCCRO representatives, headed by Bishop Vyacheslav Horpynchuk, told Cardinal Zuppi about the devastating consequences of Russian aggression against Ukraine, explained the vision of the Ukrainian churches to establish a just peace in Ukraine, and raised several humanitarian issues. 

Cardinal Zuppi listened attentively to the views of representatives of Ukrainian churches and religious organizations and assured them that their position would be considered in the Vatican's future peacebuilding activities.

The special mission of the head of the Italian bishops on behalf of Pope Francis was announced on May 20. 

Earlier, In January 2023, a delegation of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations visited the Apostolic Capital, where they personally met with Pope Francis, the Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.