As Russian tanks and troops moved to attack Kyiv and explosions were heard across Ukraine’s capital city, Pope Francis spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this Saturday afternoon, Feb. 26.

In a visit with few if any precedents, Pope Francis met with the Russian ambassador to the Holy See this morning to express concerns about Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

“Jesus taught us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God's weapons, with prayer and fasting,” the pope said as the situation continued to deteriorate between Russia and Ukraine.

Addressing a symposium on the priesthood in the Vatican on Feb. 17, Pope Francis presented what he called the “four forms of closeness” that he considers fundamental to the life of a priest.

In an important move, Pope Francis has issued a decree, published “motu proprio” (on his own initiative), in which he has modified the internal structure of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Pope Francis has set in motion the preparations for the Jubilee Year 2025, which he believes “can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust” after two years of pandemic and suffering.