Bishop Pavlo Honcharuk of Kharkiv, Ukraine, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Pope Francis for his unwavering support and prayers for Ukraine. In a recent interview with Vatican News, Bishop Honcharuk reflected on Pope Francis’ words during his Angelus on 13 October, where the Pope urged the international community to prevent Ukrainians from “freezing to death” and to put an end to airstrikes targeting civilians.
The bishop emphasized the Ukrainian people’s desire to live in peace and freedom, respecting justice, truth, liberty, life, and human dignity. However, Russian forces continue to bomb critical infrastructure, aiming to plunge cities into darkness and disable heating systems, leaving the elderly, children, and infants vulnerable.
Kharkiv has become a refuge for those displaced from areas closer to the front lines, with the local administration offering free transportation and temporary housing. Organizations are providing aid, but resources are limited. Bishop Honcharuk described the situation as a “huge problem,” with people losing everything and living in dormitories.
As winter approaches, anxiety grows due to daily power cuts and concerns about heating systems. The city prepares for harsh months ahead, aware of potential attacks. Despite the tension, Bishop Honcharuk noted a sense of resilience, saying, “But without panic or despair”.
The bishop concluded by thanking Pope Francis and those standing up for truth, justice, and responsibility, asking for prayers and trusting in the Lord’s victory.