“The Holy See will use its diplomatic channels to facilitate the release of Ukrainian media workers,” Vatican Ambassador

An important meeting was held at the Apostolic Nunciature in Ukraine on the protection of freedom of expression and the rights of imprisoned journalists. The Apostolic Nuncio/Vatican Ambassador to Ukraine, Visvaldas Kulbokas, held a meeting with the Head of Advocacy in Eastern Europe of the International Press Institute (IPI), Karol Łuczka, and the President of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU), Sergiy Tomilenko.

The central topic of the meeting was the fate of Ukrainian journalists held in russian captivity. This meeting gained particular relevance after a recent speech by Pope Leo XIV, in which he strongly called for the release of journalists imprisoned for “the desire to report the truth.”

“The Church recognizes in these witnesses – I am thinking of those who report on the war even at the cost of their own lives – the courage of those who defend dignity, justice and the right of people to be informed,” emphasized Pope Leo, whose words drew the attention of the world community to the topic of solidarity with imprisoned journalists.

Karol Łuczka confirmed the full involvement of the IPI in efforts to free the imprisoned Ukrainian journalists and assured that the International Press Institute will continue to be a voice reminding the international community of the flagrant crime of keeping Ukrainian journalists, as well as other civilian hostages, in russian captivity.

During the meeting, Sergiy Tomilenko handed over to the Ambassador an updated list and detailed the NUJU materials on Ukrainian media workers held in russian captivity. According to the latest verified data of the Union, 31 civilian media representatives and at least one journalist who was captured while serving in the ranks of the Ukrainian Defense Forces are in captivity.

The Apostolic Nuncio himself noted that he was deeply moved by the tragic fate of journalist Victoria Roshchina, who died in russian captivity as a result of torture. “I pray for her,” said the Ambassador, expressing condolences to the journalist’s family and colleagues.

Visvaldas Kulbokas encouraged the NUJU and the IPI to actively engage in international advocacy and constantly draw the attention of the world community to this problem. The Vatican Ambassador assured that the Holy See will use its diplomatic channels to facilitate the release of Ukrainian media workers.

“Every day in captivity is a day of torture and inhuman treatment of our colleagues. We are obliged to use all possible mechanisms for their release,” Sergiy Tomilenko emphasized, thanking the Vatican for its attention to this humanitarian crisis.

The participants of the meeting agreed to further coordinate efforts and regularly exchange information for the common goal of returning all captured journalists home.