Pope Francis has stated that the upcoming winter will be difficult for Ukraine and has called for supporting Ukrainians.
This was reported by Vatican News.
On Wednesday, November 27, Pope Francis held an audience with pilgrims in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. During his address, he mentioned Ukraine.
The pontiff urged people not to forget the suffering of the Ukrainian people and called for prayers for peace.
"Think of the Ukrainian children and teenagers who are suffering during this period, enduring a harsh winter without heating. Pray for the children and teenagers of Ukraine," Pope Francis said.
While greeting Polish pilgrims, the pontiff asked them to support Ukrainians during the "difficult winter."
"Be merciful and peacemakers, supporting those who are in hardship and suffering because of the war, especially Ukrainians, to help them get through the winter. This will be a hard winter for Ukraine," said Pope Francis.
Notably, during the full-scale war in Ukraine, Pope Francis has met with President Volodymyr Zelensky three times. The latest meeting took place in October 2024, when Zelensky presented the Vatican with a painting depicting the Bucha massacre.
Before this, the Ukrainian president and the pontiff met in May 2023 and during the G7 summit in Italy’s Apulia in June 2024.
Pope Francis has frequently mentioned the war in Ukraine in his prayers and speeches, consistently calling for a "peaceful" resolution to the conflict.
