New York: The Holy See has renewed its call for the immediate return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia, stressing that the issue is fundamentally one of justice and must not be overshadowed by political agendas. The appeal was delivered during an Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly by the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See, which highlighted the Vatican’s ongoing humanitarian efforts, including the diplomacy of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Pope’s Special Envoy for Ukraine.
In its statement, the Holy See affirmed that it will continue working tirelessly through Cardinal Zuppi and other humanitarian channels to secure both the return of displaced Ukrainian children and the release of prisoners of war. The mission urged all parties and the global community to sustain efforts aimed at reuniting children with their families as swiftly as possible.
“This is a matter of justice,” the declaration emphasized, noting that the welfare of children must never be subordinated to political strategy or military considerations.
The statement painted a stark picture of the human toll of the prolonged conflict, describing how the war has ravaged once-thriving cities and deprived children of the peaceful environment they deserve.
It appealed for an immediate ceasefire not at some vague point in the future, but “right now” to open the path toward “sincere and courageous dialogue.” Every day that the war continues, the Mission warned, brings more death, deeper hatred, and devastating losses for all humanity.
The Holy See urged member states not to remain passive spectators but to actively support any credible initiative that could lead to meaningful negotiations and a durable peace.
During the same session, the UN General Assembly adopted a non-binding resolution demanding the “immediate, safe, and unconditional return” of all Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia or transferred within Russian-occupied territories. The resolution passed with 91 votes in favor, 12 against, and 57 abstentions.
The text also called on Russia to end any further practices of forced transfer, separation from families, changes to children’s legal status including through citizenship or adoption and any attempts at indoctrination.
Delegates expressed “deep concern” for the long-term impact of the war on minors, particularly those separated from their families since the beginning of the conflict in 2014.
The Holy See’s intervention reinforced the Vatican’s role as a moral voice and mediator amid the crisis, insisting that the protection of children must remain a top priority even as the war drags on. With the support of Pope Leo XIV’s envoy and broader diplomatic engagement, the Vatican continues to push for concrete steps that will restore children to their families and move Ukraine closer to peace.