In the course of his trip to Ukraine, from July 11-17, 2017, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, will bring Pope Francis’ consolation and solidarity to the suffering populations.
The head of the Dicastery, who will visit Greek-Catholic, Latin and Orthodox communities, spoke about his trip on Vatican Radio, on the eve of his departure. It is intended to be “a trip of consolation from brother to brother, brining joy and hope on behalf of Pope Francis, to a country that suffers enormously the consequences of recent conflicts.”
Ukraine is “a Christian country, a country where one believes in God, in Jesus Christ, and this faith is associated to the suffering of the Cross, the suffering of divisions, of wars and of those that are victims of this situation, especially the most innocent,” he stressed.
“I wish to bring – and it is the mission the Holy Father entrusted to me –, the oil of serenity and peace as well as . . . “discernment,” to think of a future of hope, of a solution to all the conflicts, a future of wisdom and humanity,” continued Cardinal Sandri.
“Peace doesn’t fall from the sky as a parachute: there must be on earth persons that make it, by promoting “ways of understanding, of dialogue, of agreement . . . with a surplus of humanity and love,” added the Prefect.
Recalling the “collection for Ukraine” launched by the Pope in the parishes of Europe in April 2016, to address the humanitarian crisis, the Cardinal hoped that this initiative will make it possible to create greater solidarity in face of hunger, lack of health structures, schools and dwellings.
