Avellon Williams
VATICAN CITY- Pope Francis praised Poland’s welcoming of refugees fleeing the violence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The pope told Polish pilgrims during his general audience on March 2 that “you were the first to support Ukraine by opening your borders, your hearts, and your homes to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war.”
“You are generously offering them everything they need to live in dignity, despite the current tragic situation. I am deeply grateful to you, and I bless you!” he said.
During the Pope’s remarks, he noted that the Polish translator at the audience, Franciscan Father Marek Viktor Gongalo, is from Ukraine and that “his parents are at this moment in an underground refuge to protect themselves from the bombs in a place near Kyiv.”
The pope said, “we accompany all the people who are suffering from the bombings, his elderly parents and so many other elderly people who are underground to protect themselves.”
“Let us carry in our hearts the memory of these people,” the pope said as those present in the audience applauded.
“These people are protected, they also receive a warm meal, dry provisions, hygienic and cosmetic products”
Approximately 453,982 Ukrainians entered Poland as of March 1, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
One of the charities that welcome refugees is Caritas Poland, which continues to aid refugees entering the country.
Caritas has mobilized volunteers at the border, providing food, shelter, and legal assistance, according to a statement published March 1 by Polish Father Pawel Konieczny, deputy director in the Archdiocese of Przemysl.
Volunteers from Caritas have also been placed at the train station in Przemysl to assist Ukrainians fleeing violence at home.
“These people are protected, they also receive a warm meal, dry provisions, hygienic and cosmetic products,” Father Konieczny said.
“We also organize support for mothers: including care for their children and various activities so that the women can rest for a while.”
Recent Comments