Vatican sends ambulances to Ukraine with support from U.S. Catholics

Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, head of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, has embarked on a mission to deliver four ambulances to Ukraine. This initiative, funded by U.S. Catholics, was announced by the Vatican in a press release on April 7. The ambulances, equipped with essential medical instruments, carry the coat of arms of Vatican City State and are intended for use in war zones.

In a statement, the dicastery explained that with Easter approaching, Pope Francis wanted to demonstrate his solidarity with “tormented Ukraine” through this gesture. This mission represents Cardinal Krajewski's 10th visit to Ukraine as the pope’s special envoy. During his stay, the cardinal plans to be with the local people affected by the conflict, offering prayers and embodying the Pope’s message of closeness.

The pope, when launching the Holy Year dedicated to hope, previously stated, “the need for peace challenges us all, and demands that concrete steps be taken.” The dicastery described the gesture of gifting the ambulances as "a sign of Jubilee hope anchored in Christ."

The funding for this project was raised through Cross Catholic Outreach, a U.S.-based Catholic relief and development organization. Father Eloy Rojas, a missionary and hospital chaplain from Newark, New Jersey, confirmed this to the Catholic News Service on March 28. A small team of U.S. priests, including Rojas, met with Cardinal Krajewski in Rome to discuss the allocation of funds. Rojas expressed his admiration for the cardinal, highlighting the humility and dedication demonstrated during their interaction. He recounted how the cardinal showcased the result of their efforts by giving them a ride in one of the ambulances.

The mission underscores the ongoing humanitarian efforts supported by the Vatican and U.S. Catholics in response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.