Shevchuk brings ‘Ukraine’s prayers’ and list of prisoners to Pope Leo

According to Catholic Culture, Shevchuk met with Pope Leo XIV on October 23 and thanked the Pontiff for his support and the Vatican's humanitarian diplomacy.[2]Vatican News, citing a statement from the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, says he handed the list to the Pope during their meeting in the Apostolic Palace.[1]Vatican News reports that this was his fifth meeting with Pope Leo, whose efforts for peace between Russia and Ukraine have included recent telephone calls with Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky.[1]According to Vatican News, Shevchuk praised the Holy See's "humanitarian diplomacy", which aims at securing the release of prisoners of war and civilians held by Russia, and bringing home Ukrainian children transferred away from their places of origin.[1] Catholic Culture quotes him as saying: "Mother Church is working to ensure that all our prisoners of war and illegally detained hostages are released as soon as possible."[2]The Church's statement, as quoted by Catholic Culture, says Shevchuk "assured the Pope of the prayers and support of Ukrainian Greek Catholics as he continues his recovery from thoracic surgery."[2]Vatican News says Shevchuk also spoke of the challenges facing Ukraine as another bitterly cold winter approaches, with the country's infrastructure damaged by bombardment.[1] According to the outlet, Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, the Papal Almoner, will visit Ukraine from 27 to 30 October[1] and will bring food, medicine and other essential supplies.[1]Vatican News notes that at an earlier audience on 12 February 2026, Shevchuk handed the Pope a list of 400 prisoners of war.[1]