Pope Leo Sends Food Aid to Bombed Areas in Kharkiv, Ukraine

Vatican City, July 17, 2025 – Pope Leo XIV has sent food donations to residents in the war-torn Ukrainian village of Staryi Saltiv and the city of Shevchenkove, both in the Kharkiv region. The aid was delivered through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, also known as the Office of the Papal Almoner. The Pope has also requested that practical assistance be extended to those affected by Typhoon Danas in Taiwan.

Although Pope Leo XIV is currently observing his summer rest at Castel Gandolfo, his commitment to supporting suffering populations remains unwavering. During Mass at the parish of St Thomas of Villanova last Sunday, he spoke of how people’s lives and dreams “are being destroyed by war.”

Acting on the Pope’s instructions, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, oversaw the dispatch of food parcels to areas in Kharkiv recently struck by missile and drone attacks. “The Holy Father asked us to do it as quickly as possible,” he told Vatican News, adding, “Charity never takes a vacation!”

The trucks, loaded with canned goods, oil, pasta, meat, fish, and tuna, departed from the Basilica of Saint Sophia in Rome—an important centre of aid for Ukraine since 2022. Basic necessity items were also included, destined specifically for families in Staryi Saltiv and Shevchenkove.

The Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, known for promoting spiritual and charitable initiatives, supplied the food and several pallets required for transportation. This mission follows a similar shipment in June, which included mattresses, food, and toys for Ukrainian children.

The aid was delivered directly to families’ homes, bypassing any intermediary aid organisations. White boxes marked in both Ukrainian and Italian read: “Gift of Pope Leo XIV for the people of Kharkiv.”

Photographs captured the emotional responses of recipients, revealing how Pope Leo XIV—like his predecessor Pope Francis—continues to remember their suffering.

Earlier today, Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, informed journalists that Pope Leo XIV had been updated on the devastation caused by Typhoon Danas in Taiwan. He confirmed that the Pope is praying for the victims and has instructed the Office of Papal Almonry to send tangible aid to those affected.

Courtesy: Vatican News