In a meeting on Tuesday, Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and President Joe Biden discussed the pressing humanitarian issues stemming from the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The discussion circled around the Vatican’s role in the alleviation of suffering in Ukraine, specifically the almost 20,000 Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia since the start of the war in February 2022. Ukrainian officials say they believe the real count could be even higher.
In a White House statement, Biden expressed appreciation for the Holy See’s humanitarian efforts, saying they discussed “the Holy See’s efforts providing humanitarian aid to address the widespread suffering caused by Russia.”
Cardinal Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna, had earlier discussed this pressing issue during his missions to Kyiv and Moscow, reflecting Pope Francis’s words: “It is a question of humanity before it is a question of the spoils of war.”
Also on the agenda during Zuppi’s U.S. visit were talks with members of Congress, as the Vatican seeks an “exchange of ideas and opinions,” focusing on supporting initiatives that alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable people, particularly children.
Meanwhile, concerns are being raised over the U.S.’s recent promise of $800 million in military aid to Ukraine, including controversial cluster bombs. US Bishops voiced their concern over these weapons due to their indiscriminate nature, underscoring Pope Francis’ aspiration for peace and dialogue.
Amid these escalating tensions, the Holy See’s UN observer, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, urged for a ceasefire and negotiations toward peace, calling upon the international community to “work together for peace.”
