Pope Francis donated personal funds for drones to Ukrainian army in 2023

This was reported by journalist Oleksandr Zinchenko.

According to him, in December 2023 a fundraiser was announced for the soldiers of the 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar." At that time, a trusted representative of the Pope called him and offered help.

"This was done with the knowledge and blessing of Pope Francis under the condition of confidentiality until a certain point. These were his personal funds. Not the Vatican's," Zinchenko wrote.

He clarified that thanks to the fundraiser, two drones were purchased, but the Pope also paid for a third drone, which they wanted to name in his honor, but "decided someone might guess." So the third drone was named "Santa," and the donor – "Secret Santa."

"When the trusted person who delivered the money finds it possible and appropriate to comment on this story publicly – they will. Today, this person is mourning the loss of a loved one and friend. So I kindly ask to respectfully observe a pause," the journalist added.

• On Monday, April 21, Pope Francis passed away. He was 88 years old.