Zelensky honored Roman Catholic clergy with state awards

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has honored Roman Catholic Cardinal Konrad Krajewski and two Italian priests of the RCC with state awards for «their significant contribution to strengthening international cooperation, supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine», as well as charitable activities. The corresponding decree of the head of state No. 68/2026 was published on the website of the President of Ukraine.

As UkrInform reports, the document notes that the awards were given for a significant personal contribution to the strengthening of interstate cooperation, support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for charitable activities and popularization of the Ukrainian state in the world.

Among the orders received by foreigners are the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise II degree, «For Merit» II and III degrees, Princess Olga I, II and III degrees, as well as the award of the President of Ukraine «Golden Heart».

In particular, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, head of the Pontifical Graces Service (Apostolic Elemosynary), was awarded the Order of Merit, III degree.

In addition, the Head of State honored with the Presidential Award «Heart of Gold» Lupo Felice — rector of the parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Nations in Pope San Eugenio, Palermo, Italy. Palermo, Italian Republic, as well as Patalano Riccardo — priest of the parish of San Savino, San Bernardino, Santa Maria in Lapide, Montegallo, Italian Republic.

We shall remind you that the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the decree of President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to which January 7 — the date traditionally associated with the celebration of Christmas for a number of Orthodox churches — will be officially celebrated as Programmer’s Day. This decision is part of a large-scale government initiative to regularize holiday dates in line with the national ideology.