VATICAN CITY, AUG. 26, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI sent a message of congratulations for the 19th anniversary of Ukrainian Independence Day.
The Pope sent a telegram to Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych for the anniversary, celebrated Tuesday, reported the apostolic nunciature in Kiev.
In Rome, Ukrainian representatives from the embassy laid flowers at a monument to Taras Shevchenko in the St. Sophia Greek Catholic Cathedral, reported the Religious Information Service of Ukraine.
The ambassador of that country to the Holy See, Tatiana Izhevska, stated that «the restoration of Ukrainian statehood is proof of the triumph of historical truth and justice, it crowned our people for freedom and independence.»
Izhevska told Vatican Radio: «This joyous holiday shows not only an important historical stage of life of our homeland, but the strengthening of its spiritual foundations.
«An important prerequisite for the material and social welfare is moral development based on Christian values. I believe that together we will achieve a high level of development of our society for the benefit of all Ukrainians.»
