Pope greets military pilgrims from Ukraine
On May 22, 2019, a general papal audience took place on St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, which was attended by servicemen of the Armed Forces and students of higher military educational institutions of Ukraine. Pope Francis greeted the Ukrainian military delegation and wished peace to Ukraine.
"I whole-heartedly congratulate the Ukrainian pilgrims, and especially the group of troops who participated in the annual National Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes. I constantly pray to the resurrected Lord to fill the hearts of Ukrainians with love and peace and give his peace to the entire country. May God bless all of you,” said Pope Francis at the end of the audience.
The delegation for the participation of the military in the 61st International Pilgrimage to Lourdes and Rome was formed by the decision of Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration Petrenko in cooperation with the Department of Military Chaplaincy of the Patriarchal Curia of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Bishop Mykhailo Koltun, Head of the Department of Military Chaplaincy of the Patriarchal Curia of the UGCC, and other military chaplains provide spiritual support to the Ukrainian military delegation.
Ukrainian soldiers participated in the general papal audience with the blessing of the Head of the UGCC. This is reported by the Department of Information of the UGCC.
As reported, on May 17-19, the 61 International Pilgrimage to the World - a Prayer for Peace in the World! Was held in Lourdes (France). It was attended by servicemen from 50 countries of the world. The Ukrainian delegation is represented by a large number of pilgrims and chaplains. The servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, wounded warriors, mothers who lost their sons in the war, cadets of the National Academy of Army and the students of the Kruty Heroes Lyceum took an active part in the pilgrimage.
