State Officials from Ternopil Have Audience with Pope Benedict XVI

Oleksii Kaida, head of the Ternopil Regional Council, and Ternopil Mayor Serhii Nadal had an audience with Pope Benedict XVI, the press service of the association Svoboda reported to Unian.net.

According to the press service, the general audience with the pope lasted about two hours. After that, Kaida and Nadal had an opportunity to personally communicate with him.

The visitors addressed the pontiff with the following words: “Let us greet You on behalf of all the residents of Ternopil and all Ukrainians. The Ternopil region is a land of culture and spirituality. We have probably the largest number of churches in Ukraine. We received a special grace from the Mother of God as Ternopil is located between two significant spiritual centers, Zarvanytsia and Pochativ. And it is a special responsibility. Our team has many plans to improve the life of people, spirituality and culture for all Ukraine. It is a difficult task. God willing, we will do it.”

They asked the pontiff for his blessing for their fruitful everyday work for the community of the region.

The visitors presented to the pope an embroidered cloth made by a disabled girl from Ternopil.