Pope Leo XIV donated three trucks of aid to Ukraine as a "small gesture" of relief for the feast of Holy Family Sunday, Vatican News reported.
The aid consisted of 1o0,000 food packets of chicken and vegetable soup, said Vatican News. The food was delivered to the Vatican by Samyang Foods, a Korean company, and then was shipped to the neediest parts of Ukraine that are the most impacted by the bombing.
By timing the delivery of the food aid to Holy Family Sunday, the Vatican sought to draw attention to families that have been displaced by the ongoing violence in Ukraine.
Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, said the aid was intended to help those who "are traveling along the 'via dolorosa' of exile in search of refuge."
Cardinal Krajewski noted that Pope Leo “not only prays for peace, but wants to be present in the families who are suffering.”
Pope Leo earlier called for peace in Ukraine
The shipment of aid to Ukraine comes days after Pope Leo XIV singled out the country in his Christmas blessing.
"Let us entrust the entire European continent to the Prince of Peace, asking him to continue to inspire a spirit of community and cooperation, in fidelity to its Christian roots and history, and in solidarity with – and acceptance of – those in need," said Pope Leo.
He continued, "Let us pray in a particular way for the tormented people of Ukraine: may the clamor of weapons cease, and may the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue."
Ukraine has been at war for over a decade. The full-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022, nearly four years ago.
