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In a concrete sign of closeness and support for the Ukrainian population presently experiencing great suffering, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who heads the Office of Papal Charities, delivered a fully equipped ambulance to Lviv on Tuesday, on behalf of Pope Francis. The Pope blessed the vehicle at the Vatican before its departure. Speaking from Lviv, the Cardinal said:

"It is a great privilege for me to hand over the special gift of the ambulance on behalf of the Holy Father, it has a symbolic value, because the ambulance is used to save lives”.

This is the Cardinal's second visit to Ukraine since the outbreak of the conflict, highlighting Pope Francis' closeness to the people of Ukraine. The ambulance will be used by a paediatric hospital and will help to save the lives of children injured in the ongoing war. You can read more on the Vatican website here.

The Tablet reports that the Ukrainian president asked the Pope to mediate with Russia to relieve the humanitarian consequences of the war, in a telephone call last week. President Zelenskiy reported the conversation on Twitter, saying the “mediating role of the Holy See in ending human suffering would be appreciated” he also thanked Pope Francis for his prayers for Ukraine and for peace.

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