Newly elected Pope provided with a list of Ukrainian prisoners of war

A Ukrainian delegation has presented newly anointed Pope Leo XIV with a list of Ukrainian prisoners of war held in captivity in Russia, according to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

Representatives of the Ukrainian delegation. Photo: Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War

The Ukrainian delegation included representatives of associations of prisoners of war’s families and members of the Greek Catholic Church, along with the head of the UGCC.

The Pontiff reiterated that his heart is with Ukraine and expressed his hope for the release of the prisoners and the return of the children home.

“Let us do everything possible to achieve true peace as soon as possible – a just and lasting peace,” he was quoted as saying by the Coordination Headquarters.

The Headquarters did not provide details regarding the submitted list.

Previously, Pope Leo XIV had already called for the release of journalists held in prisons worldwide.

By way of background, Ukrainian soldiers released from Russian captivity have reported that prison guards in the Kursk pre-trial detention centre may have received additional payments for mistreatment.

At the beginning of the full-scale war, the Russian top military and political leadership may have authorised the torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Consequently, the majority of those released from Russian captivity have endured inhumane treatment.