Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, is scheduled to undertake a diplomatic and pastoral mission to Ukraine from October 27 to 30. Accompanied by Undersecretary Professor Massimo Ralli, the Papal Almoner aims to deliver Pope Leo’s concrete solidarity and comfort to populations severely impacted by the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for over four years and eight months.
The upcoming visit follows direct intervention by the Pope, who recently conducted telephone conversations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. These high-level contacts aimed to address critical humanitarian emergencies, particularly in the besieged city of Oleshky, where civilians face severe food shortages and starvation.
During the three-day trip, the Papal Almoner will visit local communities across Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, and Fastiv. Organized in close collaboration with both the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Latin-rite Church, the mission serves as a joint sign of fraternity and assistance to those enduring the hardships of war.
In parallel with the mission, the Apostolic Almonry has launched a targeted aid collection at the Vatican. Holy See employees are donating essential supplies—including winter clothing, warm blankets, sleeping bags, non-perishable food, and linens—to help vulnerable populations prepare for the incoming winter. Archbishop Marín expressed gratitude to all donors, emphasizing that concrete assistance and prayer remain vital in bringing relief and maintaining hope for a lasting peace.