Pope salutes Poles

Pope Francis has blessed the Polish people for their generosity to Ukrainians fleeing the war. 

As he leads the Church in fasting for peace on Ash WednesdayPope Francis expressed gratitude to the Polish people this morning for their generosity in welcoming Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war.

“I cordially greet all Poles. You were the first to support Ukraine by opening your borders, your hearts and the doors of your homes to Ukrainians fleeing the war,” Pope Francis said at the Vatican.

“You are generously offering them everything they need so that they can live in dignity, despite the drama of the moment. I am deeply grateful to you and I bless you from my heart!”

The pope has said this Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, should be  “a day to be close to the sufferings of the Ukrainian people, to feel that we are all brothers and sisters, and to implore God for the end of the war.”

“Today we enter the time of Lent. Our prayer and fasting will be a plea for peace in Ukraine, remembering that world peace always begins with our personal conversion, following Christ. God bless you,” the Pope said. 

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

Get the latest Scottish Catholic news. Sign up today.