Pope's bid to return Kyiv children 'stolen' by Russia

THE POPE has given parents of Ukrainian youngsters "abducted" by Russia fresh hope they will see their children again.

- Mark Reynolds

Hundreds of thousands have been snatched or taken hostage, according to Kyiv authorities.

Pope Francis's peace envoy to Ukraine, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, announced that he and the Pontiff were urgently working on a new "mechanism" that could ensure the safe return of the children.

Cardinal Zuppi spoke just days after Moscow admitted it had "taken in" 700,000 Ukrainian children since the start of the conflict. At a book presentation in Rome Cardinal Zuppi said: "We'll see how we can start the mechanism for the children (and) help."

He said he had discussed the issue with Pope Francis, who would be involved.