The Holy See, through its Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations, is actively working to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Special Envoy of the Holy Father for humanitarian issues in Ukraine, is involved in these efforts. The Holy See emphasizes the importance of returning children to their families as a matter of justice, not to be overshadowed by political considerations. The statement calls for an immediate ceasefire and sincere dialogue to end the war in Ukraine. The Holy See highlights the devastating impact of the war on Ukrainian children and the need for a peaceful environment for them.
12 days ago
The Holy See continues its push for the return of Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia, emphasizing this as a matter of justice separate from political agendas.1 Through the Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations and Special Envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Vatican also seeks the release of prisoners of war.1 This stance was articulated during an Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly on December 4, 2025.1
The UN General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution with 91 votes in favor, 12 against, and 57 abstentions, demanding Russia's immediate, safe, and unconditional return of all deported Ukrainian children.1 The resolution further calls on Moscow to halt forcible transfers, deportations, family separations, changes in citizenship or adoption status, and any indoctrination efforts.1 It expresses deep concern over the war's impact on children, including separations dating back to 2014 in occupied Ukrainian territories.1
The Holy See's statement highlights the protracted Ukraine war's devastation, including ruined cities and disrupted childhoods amid conflict.1 It urges an immediate ceasefire to enable sincere dialogue and end the suffering "right now," warning that each day without peace escalates victims, destruction, and hatred.1 Nations at the UN are called to reject passivity and support initiatives for genuine negotiations and lasting peace.1
The Holy See mandates return of Ukrainian children to families
In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Holy See has repeatedly emphasized the moral imperative to reunite families torn apart by war, with a particular focus on the plight of children who have been separated from their loved ones. This stance is not merely a diplomatic suggestion but a profound ethical demand rooted in the Catholic Church's teachings on human dignity, the inviolability of family bonds, and the protection of the vulnerable. Drawing from official statements by papal representatives at the United Nations and addresses by Popes Francis and Leo XIV, the Holy See underscores that children must never be treated as instruments of conflict, calling for their swift and dignified return to their families while upholding international humanitarian law. This position reflects a consistent Vatican advocacy for peace, humanitarian aid, and the restoration of normalcy in war-torn regions.
The war in Ukraine, which escalated dramatically in 2022, has inflicted immense suffering on civilians, including widespread displacement, family separations, and the targeting of vulnerable populations. The Holy See's response has been multifaceted, combining spiritual solidarity with practical diplomatic efforts to promote peace and alleviate human suffering. From the outset, Vatican representatives have condemned the violence as an "utter disaster" for families, children, and entire communities, urging all parties to silence weapons and pursue negotiations for a just resolution.<sup></sup> This plea is echoed in statements delivered at the United Nations, where Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See's Permanent Observer, has highlighted the "blood shedding war" and its devastating impact on the elderly, the displaced, and especially children, who bear the "tragedy of that war which is so inhuman, so harsh."<sup></sup><sup></sup>
In a 2023 address to the UN Security Council, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher reiterated the Holy See's commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity while stressing the need for creative humanitarian initiatives to support the weakest members of society.<sup></sup> Pope Francis, in a 2022 General Audience, drew attention to the "many children in Ukraine who are suffering," noting their inability to smile amid the loss of basic necessities like light and heating, and called for prayers that the Lord would "bring them peace as soon as possible."<sup></sup> Under Pope Leo XIV, this continuity persists, as seen in broader appeals for ethical responsibility in global conflicts, though specific Ukraine references in recent documents maintain the focus on protecting the innocent.<sup></sup> These interventions frame the family reunification issue within a larger call for multilateral action, where peace is not abstract but begins with concrete steps to heal divided families.
At the heart of the Holy See's position is an unwavering insistence on the reunification of families, particularly children who have been evacuated, orphaned, or otherwise separated due to the conflict. In a July 2023 statement to the UN General Assembly, Archbishop Caccia urged that "no effort is to be spared in providing for the swift reunification of all families separated by the present violence in Ukraine, ensuring that the best interests of affected children are respected."<sup></sup> This language conveys a sense of moral urgency, portraying reunification not as optional but as a non-negotiable priority in the face of war's atrocities.
A February 2023 address marking the war's one-year anniversary further intensified this call, with Archbishop Caccia emphasizing the "obligation of all States, according to international humanitarian law, to refrain from evacuating children to foreign territory without a compelling medical reason and the written consent of those responsible for their care or from changing their 'personal status.'"<sup></sup> The Holy See "insists on the importance of family reunification, including of children with their extended family," and declares that "children must never become the pawns of war or used for political propaganda."<sup></sup> This stance aligns with the Church's longstanding protection of children, as articulated in Pope Francis's 2016 General Audience on the International Missing Children’s Day, where he called it a "duty of all to protect children, especially those exposed to a high risk of exploitation, trafficking and deviant behaviour," and invited prayers that every separated child "may be restored to the warmth of their loved ones."<sup></sup>
While the term "mandate" in the query suggests a binding legal command, the Holy See's approach is prophetic and moral rather than juridical, leveraging its diplomatic voice to influence international bodies and consciences. It invokes the "best interests of the child" as a guiding principle, drawn from Catholic social teaching and echoed in UN conventions, to demand actions that prioritize familial unity over geopolitical gains. Reports of children being forcibly relocated or adopted without consent in occupied territories have heightened this concern, prompting the Vatican to support missions, such as those led by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, aimed at humanitarian gestures that facilitate returns and alleviate suffering.<sup></sup> In essence, the Holy See mandates this return in the ethical sense—commanding it through the authority of Gospel values that place the family at the center of human society.
The Holy See's advocacy is deeply rooted in Catholic doctrine, which views the family as the "domestic church" and children as gifts from God deserving utmost protection. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that "the family is the original cell of social life" (CCC 2207-2208), and disruptions like war violate this sacred bond. Pope Francis's reflections on mercy and discernment further illuminate this, as in his 2022 audience where he links the Nativity to the suffering of Ukrainian children, urging the faithful to contemplate their plight during Christmas as a call to action.<sup></sup> Similarly, Pope Leo XIV's 2025 Jubilee Audience invokes the parable of stewardship, reminding pilgrims that "to whom much has been given, much will be expected," applying this to denouncing injustices like family separations in conflicts.<sup></sup>
Theologically, this mandate draws from Jesus's words in the Gospels, such as "Let the children come to me" (Mk 10:14), emphasizing innocence and vulnerability. In a media context, Pope Leo XIV has highlighted the role of truthful reporting in exposing such injustices, noting that journalists risk their lives to reveal the realities in places like Ukraine, ensuring that the world's conscience is stirred to protect children.<sup></sup> Where sources touch on controversy—such as debates over evacuations versus returns—the Holy See prioritizes voluntary, dignified processes, cautioning against any actions that could exploit children for propaganda, and affirms that more recent papal interventions (post-2022) build on earlier teachings without contradiction.
Despite these calls, implementation faces obstacles, including ongoing hostilities and differing interpretations of international law in occupied territories. The Holy See acknowledges the complexity, imploring states to provide humanitarian support for displaced persons until safe returns are possible, while thanking host nations for their aid.<sup></sup> It also warns against resignation to war, advocating "all diplomatic means" to end the tragedy.<sup></sup> In cases where sources do not detail specific enforcement mechanisms, the emphasis remains on moral persuasion and collaboration with organizations to prevent exploitation.
In conclusion, the Holy See's position is a clarion call—verging on a mandate in its moral force—for the immediate return of Ukrainian children to their families, grounded in the Church's commitment to human dignity and peace. This advocacy not only addresses the immediate crisis but invites the global community to build a world where no child is a casualty of conflict. By heeding these voices, we honor the Gospel's demand for justice and mercy.