Pope Francis, accompanied by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, blesses an ambulance intended for a hospital in Ukraine. Vatican City, 19 June 2024. Photo: IPA / Backgrid UK
In a new symbolic act of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who have been suffering from war for three years, Pope Francis is donating four fully equipped ambulances to the frontline regions of Ukraine. This was announced on Monday by the Holy See’s Dicastery of Charity, Vatican News reports.
The mission is entrusted to Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the “papal envoy of mercy”, who will personally drive the vehicles to Ukraine with three drivers. Each vehicle is equipped with modern medical equipment that allows for emergency assistance even in the war zone.
“During the period of Easter renewal, the Pope wants to make another gesture of closeness to one of the most distressed parts of the world – martyred Ukraine. For the Holy Father, these three years of war are a painful and shameful reminder for all humanity,” the Vatican said in an official statement.
This is not Krajewski’s first mission to Ukraine – he has visited the country ten times since the start of the full-scale invasion. The last time was in December 2024, when he brought a mobile hospital capable of performing even surgical interventions.
The Holy See has also repeatedly sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including medicines, food, generators and other essentials. These actions have become a constant expression of support from the Vatican, which calls for peace and helps not with words but with actions.
