The square outside the Papal Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari, Italy, became a heartfelt symbol of unity and compassion during a public event held under the theme “Uniti per la fratellanza” (“United for Brotherhood”). The gathering aimed to foster peace, strengthen ties between the Ukrainian and Italian communities, and offer support to children affected by the war in Ukraine.
Organized with the support of the Apostolic Exarchate for Ukrainian Greek Catholics in Italy, the event brought together representatives from the Embassy of Ukraine to the Holy See, the Consulate General of Ukraine in Naples, local authorities from Bari and the Apulia region, as well as community members and clergy.
At the invitation of Ukraine’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Andrii Yurash, and with the blessing of Bishop Hryhorii Komar, the prayer service was led by Fr. Theodosii R. Hren, Protosyncellus of the Exarchate. He was joined by Fr. Vitalii Perih, pastor for the Ukrainian community in Bari. Together, they offered prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary for peace in Ukraine, inside the crypt of the historic basilica.
Among those attending the service were clergy, local citizens, diplomats—including Vice-Consul Khrystyna Kulyk from the Ukrainian Consulate in Naples—as well as a representative of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Mayor of Bari, Vito Leccese. Delegations from several Ukrainian cities also took part in the ceremony.
Following the prayer, Ukrainian children who were displaced by the war met with Italian children from Bari and the wider Apulia region. In a symbolic gesture of hope, they planted an olive tree in the square as a living emblem of peace and brotherhood. Each child also planted seedlings in small pots, reinforcing the message of growth, resilience, and solidarity.
The olive tree will be sent to Ukraine as a symbol of lasting peace. The event concluded with a final prayer for the children and families impacted by the war, and a shared hope for peace in Ukraine and around the globe.
