Pope Francis has asked Cardinal Konrad Krajewski to return to Ukraine for a sixth time to bring humanitarian aid to people suffering from the war.
Newsdesk (24/06/2023 19:30, Gaudium Press) Pope Francis has once again called upon Cardinal Konrad Krajewski to undertake a crucial humanitarian mission in Ukraine. This will mark the sixth time the Polish cardinal, who serves as the papal almoner, has been entrusted with the task of bringing much-needed aid to the war-torn region.
The Vatican Dicastery for the Service of Charity announced on June 22 that Cardinal Konrad Krajewski will be travelling to Ukraine’s Kherson region, which recently suffered from devastating flooding caused by a dam collapse. The cardinal’s mission is to stand in solidarity with the affected people, offer prayers, and provide tangible support on behalf of Pope Francis.
Cardinal Krajewski will embark on his journey in a vehicle loaded with essential medicines. Along the way, he plans to make stops at Catholic parishes and Orthodox religious communities, emphasizing the importance of unity and interfaith collaboration during times of crisis.
In addition to the medical supplies carried by the cardinal, a separate truck will transport donated medical equipment directly to the areas most heavily impacted by the flooding. The Vatican dicastery revealed that many of these supplies were contributed by South Korea, highlighting the global response to alleviate the suffering in Ukraine.
The recent dam collapse, which occurred on June 6, has resulted in significant destruction and loss of life. However, accessing the affected regions has become a challenge, as U.N. aid workers reported being blocked from visiting the Russian-occupied areas that were severely damaged by the incident. The Kakhovka Dam, which was destroyed, lies on the Dnieper River, currently acting as a dividing line between Russian troops on the eastern banks and Ukrainian forces on the western side. Ukrainian officials have attributed the dam’s collapse to an explosion for which they hold Russia responsible.
Pope Francis has consistently shown his concern for the people of Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. This marks Cardinal Konrad Krajewski’s fifth visit to the country since the invasion by Russia last year. The cardinal’s previous missions have not been without danger, as he was targeted by gunfire while delivering humanitarian aid near the city of Zaporizhzhia. Additionally, he has solemnly prayed alongside mass graves in Ukraine, including on Good Friday in 2022, bearing witness to the immense human suffering caused by the conflict.
The Pope’s decision to send Cardinal Krajewski once again demonstrates the Vatican’s unwavering commitment to providing assistance and support to the people affected by the war in Ukraine. It serves as a reminder of the urgent need for humanitarian aid and international cooperation in alleviating the plight of those caught in the midst of this ongoing crisis.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
