Pope Francis has congratulated Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and the Ukrainian people on the 24th Independence anniversary, the press office for the Ukrainian head of state said on Sunday.

"I pray for your country in this difficult situation renewing my spiritual affinity with victims, their families and all those who suffer. I support the efforts that help the Ukrainian nation move forward in the spirit of peace and reunification," the Pope said in his message.

According to the Ukrainian president's website, the Pope also said that "he appeals to the Almighty God for a blessing of the President of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people."