You're reading: Gryshchenko departs for Vatican to attend Pope Francis enthronement ceremony

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Kostyantyn Gryshchenko has departed for Vatican to attend the ceremony of enthronement of Pope Francis on March 19. 

“By order of [Ukrainian] President Viktor Yanukovych, Deputy Prime Minister Gryshchenko will represent Ukraine at the enthronement ceremony of Pope Francis on March 19 this year. Ukraine, as a state guided by common for European countries Christian values that marks the 1025th anniversary of the Christianization of Kyivan Rus this year, connects with the new Pope’s activity its hopes and further effective development of traditional good relations with the Holy See,” Hryschenko’s press service said.

The enthronement ceremony will be held on March 19.

On March 23, Pope Francis will meet with his predecessor Benedict XVI, who left the Holy See on February 28.