Pope Francis wants to visit the Donbas
The Vatican’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, who visited the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, stated that Pope Francis wants to visit the Donbas in order to meet with believers, RIA Novosti reported. “When peace is restored, and the time of brotherhood comes, the Pope will certainly find a way to come here and meet with people, but an invitation from all parties is required,” Gugerotti said.
Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti explained that Pope Francis is unable to visit the Donbas at this time. However, the Pope would like to always be present where there are difficulties and patience. The Archbishop added that the Pope’s desire and purpose is to help people to find common ground and unite those who do not agree with each other.
It should be noted that the Vatican’s Ambassador visited the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic and gave a sermon during a religious service in a Catholic church in Luhansk. “The main purpose of this visit is to place on record the closeness and love of Pope Francis to the people who live here on the eve of the Christmas holidays, especially for Catholics,” the Vatican’s Ambassador to Ukraine told journalists in Luhansk.
Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti specified that he visited Donetsk on the 17th of December and then Luhansk on the 18th of December in order to bless all believers on behalf of Pope Francis. As previously reported, Pope Francis founded the Committee for Assistance to Ukraine and has also raised ten million Euros for the Donbas. Pope Francis repeatedly stated that Ukraine has a special place in his heart.