More than 100 pictures were drawn in a drawing competition for children organized by the local Caritas organization in the war-torn Karkhiv, Ukraine, under the title ‘Pope Francis is my best friend’. This initiative was an occasion of unexpected joy for the children and their families.
Fr. Jinu Jacob, Vatican City
“Pope Francis is my best friend” is the unusual title given to a children’s drawing competition in Kharkiv. Pope Francis’ daily remarks about the people of Ukraine were very comforting amid the difficult conditions of the war. In addition to words, Pope Francis has been endeared to the people of Ukraine by the winter visit to Ukraine and the helping hand of Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who oversees his sub-operations.
When help was brought to a family, the teenage son asked who had sent the help. The Caritas volunteer replied that he was Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, sent by Pope Francis. The uneducated boy was curious to know who the Pope was. In simple words, the volunteer spoke about the Holy Father and his support for Ukraine. ‘So, Pope Francis is our best friend,’ said the boy. In this way, many people recognize the virtues of the Catholic Church’s subordination.
Life in Kharkiv is difficult. There are problems with electricity, heating, many houses have been destroyed, there is a lack of work, and people continue to arrive in the city from other places in the region in the hope of finding better living conditions. Eruptions occur every two or three days. In the midst of these miseries, Caritas organized this painting competition to restore the happiness of the children who lost their childhood. This competition is unique in that there were hundreds of pictures, but not a single one of them was repeated.