Pope Francis meets Russian Orthodox leader in effort to end Ukraine war.

Pope Francis met with a high-ranking leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, at the Vatican, raising questions on the status of a secret "mission" in Ukraine aimed at returning Ukrainian children who were moved to Russia during the war between the two nations. The Orthodox metropolitan presented the pope with a Christian icon before being met and escorted by Vatican staff. Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said he asked the pope for assistance in this effort to bring his country's children back home. Pope Francis confirmed Sunday that the Vatican is involved in a secret peace "mission" in Ukraine.