Ukraine and Vatican discuss development of bilateral relations

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga met with the Apostolic Nuncio of the RCC in Ukraine Visvaldas Kulbokas to discuss topical issues of interaction between Ukraine and the Holy See. During the dialog, the parties focused on further development of bilateral relations, humanitarian initiatives and the importance of transferring the Church of St. Nicholas in Kiev to the Catholic community.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the key topics of the meeting were the prospects for strengthening ties between the states and the definition of the next steps to deepen the dialog. Mutual interest in the development of productive cooperation was emphasized.

Particular attention was paid to the issue of transferring the Church of St. Nicholas in Kiev to the Catholic community, which, according to the parties, will significantly contribute to the strengthening of relations between Ukraine and the Holy See. Andriy Sibiga expressed his deep gratitude to Pope Leo for his constant prayers and moral solidarity with the Ukrainian people. “We appreciate the consistent support and efforts of the Holy See in overcoming the humanitarian consequences of the war, in particular for Ukrainian children – promoting their recovery and the return of those who were illegally deported by Russia,” said Andriy Sibiga, Deputy Head of the Office of the President.

We shall remind you that earlier we reported that Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored Roman Catholic Cardinal Konrad Krajewski and two Italian priests of the RCC with state awards for “their significant contribution to strengthening international cooperation, support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine”, as well as charitable activities. The corresponding decree of the head of state No. 68/2026 was published on the website of the President of Ukraine.