The Catholic and öÏÓãÊÓƵapp Orthodox churches should join efforts to promote peace before threats of a "major global armed conflict," the head of the öÏÓãÊÓƵapp Orthodox Church told Pope Francis' envoy on a peace mission to Moscow.

With serious events clearly underway in Russia, a Ukraine bishop is hopeful it could help end RussiaöÏÓãÊÓƵapp war on Ukraine, but worries of the dangers a destabilized Russia could bring to the situation.

Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi will go to Moscow on the second leg of a peace mission on behalf of Pope Francis, the Vatican said.

The Vatican has had diplomatic contact with Russia regarding comments Pope Francis made about öÏÓãÊÓƵapp minorities being responsible for the worst acts of cruelty in the country's war on Ukraine.

RussiaöÏÓãÊÓƵapp ambassador to the Vatican confirmed Pope Francis helped facilitate recent prisoner exchanges with Ukraine and said the Vatican is ready to act as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia.

CanadaöÏÓãÊÓƵapp Ukrainian Catholic bishops are asking all Catholics for prayers, charitable giving and three days of fasting Nov. 24 to 26 in solidarity with Ukrainians living with food shortages and facing days without heat, light or water as Russia continues to target civilian infrastructure, especially UkraineöÏÓãÊÓƵapp power grid.

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during a penitential prayer service in St. Peter's Basilica March 25, the Vatican said.

VATICAN CITY -- As Russia continued its assault on Ukraine and öÏÓãÊÓƵapp troops pressed toward the capital, Kyiv, Pope Francis left the Vatican Feb. 25 to pay a visit to the öÏÓãÊÓƵapp ambassador to the Holy See.