"Secret Santa": Pope Francis helped with drones for the Armed Forces

It turned out that in December 2023 a gathering for fighters from the 93 Cold Yar brigade was announced, which was moving quite slowly, so volunteers were worried that he would not be able to buy the necessary for the New Year holidays. At that time, Alexander Zinchenko was called by the Pope's proxy and offered help. "It was done with the knowledge and blessing of Pope Francis on privacy at a certain point. These were his personal money. Not a Vatican," the journalist said.

Initially, two drones were purchased, but later Pope Francis paid a third drone, who wanted to be named in his honor, but "decided that someone could guess. " Therefore, the UAV was called "Santa" and the benefactor - "secret Santa". "When a trusted person who has transferred money will find it possible and appropriate to comment on this story in public - he will do it. Today it is for this person - the day of loss of a loved one and a friend.

Therefore, I would be very asked to politely withstand the pause," Zinchenko said. Moreover, the journalist told about "another case", which was discussed in an interview with Kiril Budanov for the UP on October 24, 2022. Then the head of Ukrainian intelligence hinted at the Pope's participation in the exchange of prisoners of war. "The Pope in a meeting with the Jesuits gently spoke about his participation in the exchange of prisoners of war.

Francis said almost straight text that he had a meeting with you, and sources close to the Catholic Church, confirm the fact of your meeting with the Pope. Tell us about your conversation with the pope. " Budanov replied that many people communicate with his work, in particular with the Vatican, but he could not reveal all the details. The Pope has repeatedly expressed the war in Ukraine.

In particular, on March 9, 2024, Francis stated that Ukraine should find the courage to throw away the "White Flag" in front of Russia. The pontiff said that in a conflict in Ukraine, the losing party should find the courage to admit it and agree to peace talks. On Monday, April 21, Pope Francis passed away. He was 88 years old. For some time, the religious figure fought for his health. The Vatican reported that the cause of the death of the Pope was stroke and heart failure.