The Holy Father also asked about the situation of bishops and priests in the territories that had been most affected by the Russian military operation. Pope Francis expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church for its proximity to the Ukrainian people, her choice to be together with the people, and the fact that the dungeons of the Patriarchal Cathedral in Kyiv have become a real refuge for people.

The Holy Father assured His Beatitude Sviatoslav of his closeness, support and prayers for dear Ukraine. At the end of the conversation, Pope Francis gave his apostolic blessing to the suffering Ukrainian people.

As RISU has reported, on February 25, His Holiness Father Francis visited the Embassy of the Russian Federation to the Holy See located at Via Della Conciliazione to express its concern about the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

His Beatitude Sviatoslav stated that he welcomes this visit of the Holy Father to the Russian Embassy to the Holy See and hopes that this conversation will be an impetus for the dialogue to outweigh the use of force. (Quelle: www.risu.ua, 26. Februar 2022)