Pope Leo XIV Greets Ukrainian Cancer Survivor at Hospital
As he departed Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Pope Leo XIV greeted Varvara, a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl whom he had met on December 31 while she awaited surgery for cancer. Varvara presented the Pope with a photograph of the…
As he departed Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Pope Leo XIV greeted Varvara, a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl whom he had met on December 31 while she awaited surgery for cancer. Varvara presented the Pope with a photograph of their embrace in St. Peter’s Square and a stuffed toy, reminiscent of the one she had taken with her when fleeing her war-torn country.
Their initial encounter had a significant impact on Varvara. During their meeting in St. Peter's Square, she was waiting for surgery and found the Pope's words to be a source of strength and encouragement. She described the moment as “a dream come true” in a statement to Vatican News.
On Saturday, as Varvara approached the Pope's vehicle, she expressed her desire to greet him with the help of security staff. Her recovery journey, which had taken her to Italy for treatment, had reached a touching culmination as she and her family visited Gemelli to deliver her good news. After recently receiving confirmation that she was cancer-free, she wanted to share this joyful moment with the Pope.
The embrace lasted for several moments, during which Varvara shared with the Pope that their hug in December had given her “the strength to overcome the illness that, fortunately, I have now beaten.” She also conveyed her feelings of support, telling him that upon learning of his hospitalization, she felt compelled to come to Rome to pray for him and return the significant embrace they once shared.
Pope Leo XIV, in turn, blessed and expressed gratitude to Varvara, who had also brought gifts for the occasion. Her gifts included a framed photograph of their hug, crafted from Castellamonte ceramics, and a small felt doll resembling the Pope that she intended to accompany him on his recovery journey, similar to how her own toy, Basik, had supported her throughout her challenges.
Varvara's family had fled their home in Berdyansk and subsequently sought refuge in Chernivtsi, where her cancer diagnosis occurred. With the help of the Castellamonte-based humanitarian association La Memoria Viva, she had been evacuated from Lviv, brought to Italy, and received essential medical care.
The meeting underscored the resilience shared between Varvara and the Pope as they navigated their health challenges, fostering a meaningful connection between two lives affected by larger circumstances.
