On behalf of all at Chernobyl Children International, we would like to express deep sorrow on the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Pope Francis was a trailblazing leader of the Catholic Church, who broke down long-held barriers in society to build a better world for people of all faiths. He passionately advocated for the world’s most vulnerable people, and spoke up on important issues such as climate change, war and injustice like no leader of the Catholic Church had done before.

In 2016, he welcomed Chernobyl Liquidators and victims of the Chernobyl tragedy to the Vatican, saying that he was ‘praying for the victims of that disaster while expressing appreciation and gratitude to those who have assisted them and for the initiatives aimed at alleviating their suffering and the damage.”

He will leave a long-lasting legacy of love and we take comfort in these words from his final address this past Easter Sunday;

“I would like us to renew our hope that peace is possible.”

May He Rest in Peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Pictured: Pope Francis meeting Chernobyl Liquidators and Chernobyl Survivors in the Vatican, 2016.