Mission and Aid · October 26, 2026
Papal Almoner to Visit Ukraine to Deliver Pope's Message of Solidarity
Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, the papal almoner, will travel to Ukraine from October 27 to October 30 to convey the closeness of Pope Leo XIV to those suffering from the war. The journey aims to provide comfort to people enduring the dramatic consequences of a conflict that has lasted more than four years and eight months. The almoner will be accompanied by Massimo Ralli, undersecretary of the dicastery.
The mission is intended to give concrete form to the Pope's engagement for peace. It follows telephone conversations Pope Leo XIV held with Russian President Vladimir Putin, one of which took place while the Pope was hospitalized, and with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. These discussions sought to find a solution to the humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, where Russian forces have besieged the area and the population has been driven to extreme hunger.
During the visit, the almoner will travel to selected locations in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, and Fastiv. The journey will be marked by brotherhood, with participation from representatives of both the Greek Catholic Church and the Latin rite Church, who are jointly engaged in this mission of solidarity.
Meanwhile, an extraordinary collection for the Ukrainian population is underway in the Vatican. Until October 24 at 1:00 p.m., winter clothing, warm blankets, sleeping bags, canned food, and textile items such as towels and sheets can be donated in the courtyard of the Governorate of the Vatican City State. This initiative offers employees of the Apostolic See an opportunity to bring relief to those severely affected by the conflict, especially with winter approaching. Archbishop Marín de San Martín thanked everyone who wishes to participate in this initiative by offering prayer and concrete help, expressing hope that the Lord will soon grant the gift of peace.