On the 19th anniversary of Ukrainian Independence Pope Benedict XVI congratulated Ukrainians. He sent а telegram addressed to the President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych, the Apostolic Nunciature in Kyiv reported.
On the occasion of Independence Day of Ukraine Embassy representatives in the Vatican laid flowers at the monument to Taras Shevchenko in the St. Sophia Greek Catholic Cathedral in Rome.
Tatiana Izhevska, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the Apostolic See, noted that "the restoration of Ukrainian statehood is proof of the triumph of historical truth and justice, it crowned our people for freedom and independence."
"This joyous holiday shows not only an important historical stage of life of our homeland, but the strengthening of its spiritual foundations. An important prerequisite for the material and social welfare is moral development based on Christian values. I believe that together we will achieve a high level of development of our society for the benefit of all Ukrainians," she said according to Radio Vaticana.