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Cardinal Czerny visits the home of a Greek Catholic priest whose family is welcoming Ukrainian refugees Cardinal Czerny visits the home of a Greek Catholic priest whose family is welcoming Ukrainian refugees 

Cardinal Czerny in Slovakia bringing Pope’s closeness to fleeing Ukrainians

Cardinal Michael Czerny, the interim prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, continues his mission to Slovakia to bring Pope Francis' closeness and solidarity to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war, holding a prayer service in the Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod and visiting reception centers in Slovakia on the first day of his visit.

By Vatican News staff writer

Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ, Pope Francis' special envoy for refugees from Ukraine arrived in Slovakia on Wednesday, 16 March.

In the city of Košice, he met with the Greek Catholic and Latin-rite Bishops of dioceses in the eastern part of Slovakia.

Accompanied by Archbishop Cyril Vasiľ, S.J., Eparch of Košice, the Cardinal also visited the Slovak-Ukrainian border at Vyšné Nemecké, where there are reception facilities for people fleeing Ukraine and moving on to other places.

The Cardinal also visited the Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod, where he participated in a prayer service for peace in Ukraine at the city's Cathedral.

Cardinal Czerny takes part in a prayer service for peace in Uzhhorod
Cardinal Czerny takes part in a prayer service for peace in Uzhhorod


The Pope’s closeness

At the border in Vyšné Nemecké, Cardinal Czerny expressed the Holy Father’s closeness to the people fleeing Ukraine, reiterating the Pope’s words that the border should be “a place of encounter and not of division.”

The Cardinal also expressed appreciation for the efforts of all those who offer help and welcome to the refugees who stop for a while at the border before continuing on their way.

“It is a blessed place and I pray for everyone who is working here, and I bring you warm greetings from Pope Francis.”

Cardinal Czerny at a Malteser Aid Slovakia reception point
Cardinal Czerny at a Malteser Aid Slovakia reception point

Archbishop Vasil’ thanked the Pope for his closeness expressed through the presence of Cardinal Czerny.

Continuing mission to Ukrainian refugees

Cardinal Czerny visited Hungary last week, and briefly entered Ukraine (7-10 March), while Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the Papal Almoner, visited Ukraine, entering via the Polish-Ukrainian border.

The Holy See Press Office said that the Holy Father wishes, through his envoy, to convey his prayerful “closeness to those fleeing the fighting in Ukraine and suffering violence at the hand of others.”

Cardinal Czerny brings the Pope's closeness to Ukrainian refugees

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17 March 2022, 10:54