Papal Almoner Returns to Ukraine to Deliver Comfort and Aid

white and brown river boat in water — Morgan Petroski / Unsplash

Monsignor Luis Marín de San Martín, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, is preparing to travel to Ukraine to convey the closeness of Pope Leo to those suffering from the war. The mission, scheduled to begin on October 27 and conclude on October 30, includes the participation of Undersecretary Massimo Ralli. This visit aims to concretize the Pontiff's commitment to peace following recent telephone conversations with political leaders regarding the humanitarian crisis. The delegation intends to address the severe conditions in Oleshky, a town under siege where the population faces starvation, while also visiting communities in Kiev, Zaporizhia, Dnipro, and Fastiv to offer consolation.

The journey operates under the sign of fraternity and involves full participation from both the Greek Catholic Church and the Latin Rite Church. These two ecclesial bodies are jointly implicated in this solidary mission to support the afflicted population. The visit serves as a direct response to the painful situations endured by many individuals after more than four years and eight months of conflict. The Prefect seeks to bring tangible comfort to these regions through his presence and the support of the wider church community.

Concurrently, an extraordinary collection for the Ukrainian population continues at the Vatican, promoted by the Apostolic Almonry. Staff members of the Holy See have been invited to donate winter clothing, warm blankets, sleeping bags, canned food, and household linens such as towels and sheets. This drive allows employees to provide relief to those heavily affected by the conflict ahead of the winter season. The Prefect expressed gratitude to all who join this initiative through prayer and concrete aid, hoping for the gift of peace.