Pope Francis recently visited Belgium and Luxembourg to strengthen ties with the Catholic communities in the countries and to accompany the pain of the victims of abuse. He also offered a message of hope and renewal, especially to young people, in the face of the challenges we are living.

In a meeting with the Jesuits in Belgium, Alberto Ares Sj, JRS Europe’s Regional Director, had the opportunity to discuss migration in our European context with the Pope. In addition, Alberto gave the Pope a painting of St George, the patron of Lviv, painted by the children being hosted at one of JRS Ukraine’s shelter for the Pope.

The painting also included a letter from one of these children: Anastasia, a 10-year-old girl from Kherson who wrote on behalf of all the children in the shelter. Pope Francis was deeply moved by these gifts and the stories of the difficult situation people are facing in this context.

The Pope also urged JRS in Europe, and the whole Society of Jesus, to continue to welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants, refugees and forcibly displaced people, especially the most vulnerable. He emphasized, as he has in the past, that it is not enough just to welcome and be an open door, but that integration is very important, how we build inclusive societies; maturing and growing as a community of brothers and sisters.

He gave many examples of how welcoming and integration should be, how the Bible from the Old Testament speaks repeatedly of support for the orphan and the widow, and the support for the stranger. He also reminded that his first trip as Pope was to the island of Lampedusa, to see first-hand and to show solidarity and prayer.

After the meeting, Alberto Ares highlighted: “When he looked me in the eye and thanked me for all the work JRS has been doing, I felt his complicity and encouragement to continue. Listening to his words and feeling his prayer, his enthusiasm and courage to walk alongside the most vulnerable in our society, encourages me to continue being a witness and instrument of God, a companion on the journey and a collaborator on His mission”.

Since the start of the international armed conflict in Ukraine, the organizations of the Jesuits have served and accompanied 110.000 people fleeing violence. Coordinated by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe and the Xavier Network, and in collaboration with JRS country offices, NGOs, and local partners, the Society of Jesus through its One Proposal initiative has aided about 97.429 in Ukraine and the neighbouring countries and 12.883 through the Integration Fund concerning countries of second destination for the Ukrainian refugees.

Read the original letter by Anastasia below:

Dear Pope Francis,

My name is Anastasia and I am 10 years old. I am writing to you from the JRS Ukraine shelter where I live with my mum and grandmother.

The war in Ukraine has changed our lives in ways I never imagined. I used to play in the park and go to school, but now everything is different. Sometimes I am afraid of loud noises and not knowing what will happen tomorrow.

I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support you give to children like me who have been forced to leave their homes.

Here at the shelter, people are kind and take care of us, but I always miss my home and my friends. However, it makes me happy to know that there are people like you who care about us.

My dreams are simple: I want to study hard to become a doctor when I grow up. I want to help other children who are sick or sad. I also dream of living in peace with my family, without fear or sadness.

My friends and I painted this painting for you. It means a lot in our lives because it depicts St George, the patron saint of Lviv. St George helps us to keep our faith, and we feel safe with him.

Please continue to support my people, Ukraine. I pray that the violence in Ukraine will stop and that we can return home one day. I want to play in the park again and go to school with my friends.

Thank you for listening to me and for your love for all the children of the world.

I hope that one day we can all live together in peace.

Please continue to pray for us, and know that we will also be praying for you.

With love,

Anastasia from Kherson, Ukraine.