Pope: 'Remember your brothers and sisters of Ukraine, forced to leave'

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

"Remember your brothers and sisters of Ukraine, forced to leave their war-torn homeland, who seek help, refuge and goodwill..." 

This was the latest appeal made by Pope Francis at his weekly Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter's Square, as he encouraged Polish-speaking faithful to continue welcoming their Ukrainian neighbours forced to flee due to the war.

"As they seek help, refuge, and goodness in your country," the Pope invited Polish speakers to show them a Christ-like welcome, before imparting on all Polish pilgrims present and following the audience remotely, his Apostolic Blessing.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, when Russia invaded in February 2022, the Holy Father has made countless appeals for helping the suffering Ukrainian people, for an end to the war, and for all efforts to restore peace.

Poland has been at the forefront of nations welcoming and helping Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the war.