Pope Francis sent two cardinals to Ukraine. Card. Konrad Krajewski arrived in Poland, where he met with refugees from Ukraine.
Card. Michael Czerny will enter the country via Hungary. He arrived in Budapest on March 8.
CARD. MICHAEL CZERNY
“Today we met people at the train station in Budapest. Tomorrow we'll meet people just as they're crossing the border and then there will be other opportunities to meet people in parishes or reception centers, or projects, where they're being welcomed and cared for, and in many cases they're being prepared or they're preparing to move on to other countries.”
It's another gesture of solidarity from Pope Francis, who has been following the situation closely.
CARD. MICHAEL CZERNY
“He wants to be near them, wants to assure them of his presence of his participation in their agony and in their distress. Another important feature of this visit is to link the crisis and tragedy here with crises and tragedies that have been going on for years, and which have not necessarily received so much immediate attention.”
Back at the Vatican, diplomatic efforts to stop the war continue. Secretary of State, Card. Pietro Parolin spoke on the phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, according to a Vatican communiqué.
Card. Parolin reiterated Pope Francis' appeal to stop attacks and to open humanitarian corridors for civilians and aid providers. He also reaffirmed the Holy See's willingness to do everything within its power to achieve peace.
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