During the audience Pope Francis met a group of liquidators and displaced from the Chernobyl area from Ukraine and Belarus on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the ‪tragedy.

Addressing the various groups of pilgrims of different nationalities present at St. Peter’s Square, the Pope had special greetings for those from Ukraine and Belarus.

Pope Francis said he is “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.”