Prior to the one year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Caritas Internationalis hosted a press conference to discuss their humanitarian work in the country.
MARIA AMPARO ALONSO ESCOBAR
Caritas Internationalis Temporary Co-Administrator
What Caritas gives is much more than assistance. Caritas does not just give a hot meal.
But Caritas gives people humanity and dignity. And we want to continue this work. We want to bring that sense of hope, warmth and humanity to the suffering in Ukraine.
Both Caritas Internationalis and Caritas-Spes offer aid and relief to the people of Ukraine, including distribution of food, clothing and medicine. Caritas has been present in the country since the 1990s. This made it easier to have an immediate response to the invasion.
FR. VYACHESLAV GRYNEVYCH
Secretary General, Caritas-Spes
And I just prayed to God and I said, “please God, give to me friends that we will not be alone.” Because it was very, very difficult to think about that you can be alone. And then I had many calls from our partners, from different Caritases: Father, please, let's go. We will support you.
Following the invasion, Caritas pledged more than 100 million euros for humanitarian assistance in Ukraine and 35 million euros in neighboring countries. One year later, they have provided aid to over 5 million people.
FR. VYACHESLAV GRYNEVYCH
Secretary General, Caritas-Spes
Really war is now after one year, I can see the effects of this support. We see how many people are supported by us.
This conference comes the day after Pope Francis met with Fr. Vyacheslav in a private audience. During the meeting, he presented the Pope with a cross made from the remnants of bombed Ukrainian houses as a symbol of the war.
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