Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
“I pray that peace will return to Ukraine as soon as possible,” Pope Leo XIV
July 2, 2025
On Wednesday, July 2, Pope Leo XIV welcomed members of the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to an audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. The Holy Father assured them of his closeness to the Ukrainian people, who, despite going through tough times, are known for their faith and hope.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Holy Father noted that after welcoming numerous pilgrims from the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to St. Peter’s Basilica last Saturday, he was delighted to meet with the hierarchs who are holding their synodal meeting today.
“This important moment for you is taking place in the context of the Jubilee Year, which calls all God’s people to renewal in hope,” he said, acknowledging that “in the current historical circumstances, it is not easy to speak of hope to you and to the people entrusted to your pastoral care. It is not easy to find words of comfort for families who have lost loved ones in this senseless war. I imagine that it is also difficult for you, who are in daily contact with people wounded in heart and body. Despite this, I receive numerous testimonies of faith and hope from the men and women of your people. This is a sign of God’s power, which is manifested amid the ruins of destruction,” said Leo XIV.
The Pope affirmed his awareness of the immense problems bishops face in both the ecclesiastical and humanitarian spheres. “You are called to serve Christ in every wounded and suffering person who turns to your communities for concrete help,” he said, assuring them of his closeness.
In conclusion, the Holy Father noted that “we are always comforted by the certainty that the Blessed Virgin Mary is with us, helping us, leading us to her Son, who is our peace.” “Through her maternal intercession, I pray that peace will return to your homeland as soon as possible,” said Leo XIV, admitting that he enjoyed the singing of the “Our Father” prayer on Saturday and therefore asked the bishops to sing it, after which he gave his blessing.
Source: Vatican News
