Stefano Leszczynski, Artur Hanula
As reported by Vatican News, another humanitarian aid shipment for the war-affected population of Ukraine departed today from the Greek Catholic Basilica of St. Sophia in Rome. “This is already the 150th truck departing from our basilica,” explained its rector, Father Marco Semehen. Many of the donations sent to Ukraine were collected with the help of the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Banco Farmaceutico Foundation. These are pallets of various medicines, mainly antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, intended for hospitals and for distribution among the local population through a network of Ukrainian volunteers.
They need everything
“We have collected everything that might be useful,” explained Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín OSA, “keeping in mind primarily the needs of the most vulnerable, the sick, and children. We have provided them primarily with medicines, family packs, hygiene products, thermal blankets, food, and plenty of excellent quality clothing.”
“For Ukraine, this continuity of aid flowing from the Vatican is of immense importance,” explained Father Marco Semehen. “First through Pope Francis and Cardinal Krajewski, and now Pope Leo XIV and Archbishop Marín de San Martín, it confirms that the Pope’s love for those suffering from war continues through both prayer and concrete actions. Especially since, with the prolongation of the war, we have noticed a decrease in interest in the needs of the population.”
Love of neighbor is the Gospel lived in practice
The Papal Almoner does not hide his emotion and satisfaction at this new humanitarian mission, which will soon be carried out. “The Church,” emphasized the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, “is not just theory, not just doctrine, but also practice, it is the Gospel lived in practice, a testimony of love for one’s neighbor. And seeing such generous commitment is a source of great joy for me.”
The commitment of so many people to support the work that the Dicastery for the Service of Charity coordinates and carries out is the proper Christian response to the spread of hatred in the world. “The cry: ‘peace, peace, peace!'” noted Archbishop Marín de San Martín, “must reach the minds and hearts of all. We still have a long way to go. We still need true conversion.”
Aid also for Lebanon
Christian concern is manifested not only in responding to the suffering of the Ukrainian people but also in reacting to the spread of war in many countries around the world. With hearts and prayers directed towards the suffering Middle East, the Dicastery for the Service of Charity organized the shipment of humanitarian aid for Lebanon just a few days ago. This includes approximately 15,000 packages of essential medicines for the population, aid that will be distributed through the nunciature in Beirut. The medicines include antibiotics, anti-diabetic drugs, antihypertensives, anti-inflammatory drugs, and multivitamin supplements necessary for treating the most common acute and chronic conditions.
Building a network of aid against spreading hatred
“Our Dicastery,” explained Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, “is also involved in charitable activities internationally and operates through nunciatures and local Churches. In undertaking this new task, I realized how important all our donors are.”
The bishop also indicated that he realized “the necessity of creating networks to better respond to people’s needs and to be as effective as possible. Awareness-raising work is also very important to widely disseminate knowledge about the terrible reality of war, the needs it generates, and how one can concretely cooperate by helping those who suffer.”
