The head of the Office of Papal Charities will deliver the gift of an ambulance to a cardiological hospital in the Ukrainian capital.
An ambulance fitted with Vatican number plates is traveling the roads of war-ravaged Ukraine. For some, who see it passing by, it may appear as a symbol of hope for normality. What is certain, is that it is a sign of Pope Francis’ closeness.
Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the Papal Almoner, is in Ukraine for the third time since the war began. He is personally driving the ambulance.
He had delivered another first-aid vehicle in Lviv a few weeks ago and before that, he had brought help and support to those who were fleeing the war.
The day after tomorrow, on Holy Thursday, a second ambulance is scheduled to be delivered to a cardiology hospital in Kyiv, a poignant way to begin the Triduum, bringing the presence of Pope Francis to this tormented land.
United with the Pope
“The purpose of this trip” Cardinal Krajewski told Vatican Media, “is to be close to a people who suffer, but also to pray and to celebrate Holy Week.”
On Tuesday morning the Cardinal presided over the Chrism Mass in the Cathedral of Lviv. After a brief meeting with Latin Archbishop of Lviv, Mieczyslaw Mokrzycki, and with the Greek-Catholic Archbishop Ihor Vozniak, he continued on his journey to Kyiv.
“I will celebrate the Easter Triduum there,” he said, “together with the various Churches, with the people who suffer but who, in this Holy Week, want to get to sing: ‘Alleluia, Christ is risen.'”
With thanks to Benedetta Capelli and Mariusz Krawiec, and to Vatican News, where this article originally appeared on Wednesday 13 April 2022.
