Vatican News - English reported that several trucks containing humanitarian supplies are preparing to depart from the Basilica of St. Sophia in Rome to deliver relief to Ukraine following a three-day donation drive among Holy See staff.
The collection, held from October 22 to October 24, was organized by the Dicastery for the Service of Charity in coordination with the Governorate of Vatican City State. Vatican employees contributed approximately 600 boxes containing winter clothing, blankets, bed linen, and non-perishable food. The Basilica of St. Sophia has served as a central focal point for solidarity efforts since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
The collected items will be shipped directly to ecclesial and charitable organizations operating in Kyiv, which will oversee the distribution of the goods to local populations in need.
Speaking about the charitable drive, Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, the Papal Almoner, expressed gratitude for the response from Vatican workers. The Augustinian archbishop noted that the conflict requires a active Christian response, stating that the collection offered what he described as a beautiful witness of the Church.
Archbishop Marín de San Martín also recognized the staff of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, who were tasked with receiving, organizing, and sorting the large volume of donated goods. He emphasized that the goal of the effort was to manifest charitable assistance in a practical, concrete manner rather than through theoretical concepts, noting that staff members across Vatican offices felt personally prompted to assist.
The departure of the supply trucks precedes an official visit to Ukraine by Archbishop Marín de San Martín. Arranged through the Apostolic Nunciature, the mission runs from October 27 to October 30. The Papal Almoner will be accompanied during the four-day trip by Massimo Ralli, who serves as Undersecretary of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity.
The papal mission aims to express direct solidarity with a civilian population coping with the effects of a conflict that has continued for nearly five years. The itinerary involves collaboration with both the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Latin-rite Catholic Church.
During the visit, the delegation is scheduled to travel to communities and institutions across four major areas: Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, and Fastiv. Archbishop Marín de San Martín told Vatican News - English that the objective of the mission is to assess local needs directly and to meet residents in person, while conveying the Holy Father's personal care and concern for those who are suffering.
The humanitarian drive is part of an ongoing series of relief initiatives maintained by the Holy See since the outbreak of the war. Medical assistance remains a critical priority for the region, where access to essential and life-saving treatments is frequently limited.
In recent weeks, four truckloads of medical supplies arrived in Ukraine through a collaboration with Banco Farmaceutico, an Italian pharmaceutical aid organization. That shipment, valued at approximately €20 million, included over 200,000 packs of a modern oral anticoagulant. The life-saving medication is typically expensive and difficult to secure within Ukraine.
Concluding his comments on the upcoming visit and aid shipment, Archbishop Marín de San Martín offered prayers for peace in Ukraine, highlighting peace as a fundamental aspect of Christian love.
