Vatican News
Prayer and concrete help
The appeal for prayer for Ukraine, which the Pope made during the general audience on Wednesday, February 4, turned into an act of charity as a “consequence of the bombings that – as Leo XIV said – have once again begun to hit energy infrastructure as well.” The Holy Father’s call, which first resonated in Paul VI Hall, combined with expressions of gratitude for solidarity initiatives – especially in Polish dioceses – took on a concrete dimension thanks to the work of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, which, at the Pope’s command, sent three trucks with 80 power generators.
Response to the bishops’ appeal
The Pope thus responded to the request of many bishops who – knowing the suffering of the people caused by the war – asked for help in connection with the bitter frost afflicting the Eastern European country. Night temperatures reach -15°C, and during the day they range from -10 to -12°C. Many people are forced to leave their homes to seek shelter in heated points, where – thanks to the generators – they can also receive a warm meal.
Generators and medicines
The transports departed from St. Sophia Basilica in Rome – a place that unites Ukrainians in the Roman region – and have already reached Fastiv and Kyiv, particularly affected by the recent attacks. Last night, as a result of further attacks in Odesa and Kharkiv, a ten-year-old child died. The war spares no one, not even the youngest. In a climate of fear and violence, every act of solidarity brings at least temporary relief to those who have been living in the trauma of war for four years. In addition to generators, thousands of medicines, supplements, and melatonin – highly sought after because it helps with sleep despite constant stress and anxiety – were also sent to Ukraine.
Thanks to those who continue to help
The Dicastery for the Service of Charity also informed that the loading of another truck with thousands of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, hypertension medications, and various types of food is ongoing. The distribution of aid upon arrival in Ukraine takes place through the parish network in various dioceses. This wave of selfless help is possible thanks to cooperation with the Pharmaceutical Bank (an Italian foundation), a network of pharmaceutical companies, the Procter & Gamble group, and – as Cardinal Konrad Krajewski emphasizes, thanking on behalf of the Pope – thanks to all people of good will who do not cease to help the suffering.
