According to basilica representatives, cathedral parishioners, volunteers, students of the Pontifical College of St. Josaphat, clergy, and representatives of the Ukrainian community in Rome participated in loading the aid. Together, they prepared and sent a transport of food, clothing, hygiene products, medicines, and other essential items. All of this will be delivered to the regions of Ukraine most affected by the war.
Pope Francis’s Participation
According to the Catholic Italian agency SIR, this humanitarian gesture was also made possible thanks to the participation of Pope Francis: the shipment contained aid and basic necessities donated by the Holy Father during his lifetime. It was Pope Francis’s “last” gift to “tormented Ukraine” and “the last expression of his love and support for the Ukrainian people.” This was reported by the press office of the Pro-Cathedral of St. Sophia in Rome.
After the loading was completed, volunteers, clergy, and all those present gathered in the cathedral for a common prayer. During the service, special prayers were offered to the Blessed Virgin Mary for peace in Ukraine, for the wounded, internally displaced persons, and all those in the war zone.
Francis’s Help in Every Truck
“This aid is not only a material contribution but also a deep spiritual sign of solidarity and love. Pope Francis did not forget the suffering Ukrainian people until his last breath,” said the mission organizers.
Fr. Marco Yaroslav Semehen, parish priest of St. Sophia, said that Pope Francis never left Ukrainians alone in this humanitarian mission, which takes place at the Roman Basilica of St. Sophia. “Through Cardinal Krajewski, goods constantly and systematically arrive here, which then travel to Ukraine by truck. “This last one, which left for Ukraine yesterday, was the 131st truck,” said Fr. Semehen, quoted by SIR. “I can say that in every truck there was help from Pope Francis. We are sure that from heaven the Holy Father will continue to help us and will do so even more. However, the greatest thing Pope Francis did for us was that he never let our hope die,” said Fr. Semehen.
