The Minor Basilica of Santa Sofia, the Ukrainian Church in Rome, has thanked Taiwan for sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Taiwan’s embassy to the Holy See said on Sunday.

According to the embassy, Ambassador Matthew S.M. Lee (???) brought monetary donations as well as essential items such as face masks, food and hygiene products to the church over the weekend, to help Ukrainians after Russia’s invasion of their country.

The church has been the main hub in Italy supporting Ukrainian refugees, and Italian President Sergio Mattarella also attended Mass on March 6 to show the country’s support for Ukraine.

Marco Yaroslav Semehen, the parish priest, was cited by the embassy as thanking Taiwan and its people for their actions and asserted that Ukraine will continue to fight for democracy and freedom.

It’s so heartwarming to see so many Taiwan’s people answering our call to bring goods and supplies for the Ukrainian refugees, he said.

The priest also prayed for both the people of Ukraine and Taiwan, and cheered “Viva Taiwan” when he bid farewell to Lee.

According to Lee, Taiwan has also sent 27 tons of medical supplies to Poland, from where the donated material will be transferred to Ukraine via an appropriate channel, with more humanitarian aid on the way.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel