\u201cYou were the first to support Ukraine, opening your borders, your hearts and the doors of your homes to Ukrainians fleeing the war,\u201d said Pope Francis in his greeting to the Polish pilgrims present for the General Audience in the Paul VI Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to The Vatican News he expressed deep gratitude and bestowed his blessings to the people of Poland noting they are \u201cgenerously offering [the refugees]\u00a0everything they need to live in dignity, despite the drama of the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Pope also turned to the friar present during the Audience to do the reading in Polish: \u201cThis Franciscan friar who is speaking now, in Polish, but he is Ukrainian!\u201d he said, adding that \u201cHis parents are right now in shelters underground, defending themselves from the bombs, in a place near Kyiv. And he continues to do his duty here, with us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n