HOLY FATHER'S GIFT TO PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL OF UKRAINE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 12, 2001 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls released the following declaration this morning:

"The Holy Father gave Kiev's Municipal Pediatric Hospital No.2 the equipment for a children's operating room and a resuscitator for new-borns.

"With this gesture the Pope desires to show his closeness to the Ukrainian children who are sick and, in particular, to those who suffer from the consequences of the catastrophe of Chernobyl.

"The presentation of the Pope's gift took place yesterday, Monday, June 11, at 11 a.m., at Kiev's Pediatric Hospital.

"Present at the ceremony were various figures from the ecclesiastical and civic community, including members of the administration of the hospital and of the city of Kiev, along with numerous representatives of the mass media. Also participating was the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Petro Sardachuk.

"Hospital directors have confirmed that the equipment is already working and that it will contribute to saving the lives of numerous sick children.

"The Pope's gift was widely noted in public opinion."

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