The Pope’s solidarity amid Ukraine's freezing winter

The appeal for Ukraine voiced by the Pope at the General Audience on Wednesday, 4 February, has taken the form of concrete charity in response to the “consequences of the bombings which,” as Pope Leo XIV said, “have once again begun to strike energy infrastructure.” Speaking in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope also expressed his gratitude for the many initiatives of solidarity that have emerged in numerous dioceses, especially in Poland. That appeal has now been translated into action through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, which, at the Pope’s request, has sent three lorries carrying 80 electricity generators to the country.In doing so, the Pontiff responded to the appeals of many bishops who, aware of the suffering caused by the war, asked for assistance to help address the hardships brought about by the intense cold gripping Ukraine. Night-time temperatures are falling to minus 15 degrees Celsius, while daytime temperatures range between minus 10 and minus 12 degrees. Many people have been forced to leave their homes in order to find warmth in heated shelters where, thanks to the generators, they are also able to receive a hot meal.