Pope Leon XIV speaking on 28 June this year to the pilgrims of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the Vatican stressed that "the religion of the Ukrainian people was tested." Ukraine was “painted” in a “sensical war”. He expressed his sadness “because of the prisoners and victims of this senseless war” caused by Russia's invasion.
Leon XIV pointed out that the pilgrimage is “a sign of the desire to renew faith, strengthen ties and communion with the Bishop of Rome, and give evidence of hope that does not neglect due to the fact that it is born of the love of Christ, which was poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (cf. Rom 5:5). The Jubilee calls us to become pilgrims of this hope throughout our lives, despite the adversities of the present. The journey to Rome, passing through the Holy Door and haunting the graves of the Apostles and Martyrs, is simply a symbol of this regular journey towards eternity, where the Lord will wipe out all teardrop and there will be no death, mourning, sorrow, pain (cf. Rev. 21:4)."
"Many of you have left your beautiful land, rich in Christian faith, fruitful thanks to the evangelical evidence of so many saints and filled with the blood of many martyrs who have sealed their faithfulness to the Apostle Peter and his successors with the gift of life for centuries. Faith, dear friends, is simply a treasure to be shared. Each time it brings difficulties, adversity and challenges, but besides opportunities to grow in trust and submit to God – said the Holy Father.
– The religion of your people is now under dense trial. Many of you, since the mass invasion of Ukraine began, surely asked: ‘ Lord, why all this? Where are you? What must we do to save our families, our homes and our homeland? To believe does not mean to have all the answers, but to trust that God is with us and gives us his grace that He will have the last word, and life will overcome death – reminded the Pope.
– Mary the Virgin, so dear to the Ukrainian people, with her humble and courageous “yes” opened the door to the redemption of the world; she assures us that our “yes”, simple and sincere, can besides become a tool in God's hands to accomplish something great. Established in religion by the Successor of St Peter, I encourage you to share it with your loved ones, your countrymen and all those whom the Lord will lead you to meet. Saying yes present can open up fresh horizons of faith, hope and peace, especially for all those suffering – continued the Pope.
Sisters and brothers, erstwhile I meet you here, I would like to express my closeness with troubled Ukraine, with children, young people, the elderly, and especially with families who mourn their loved ones. I share your sadness over the prisoners and victims of this meaningless war. I entrust to you your intentions, your regular hardships and tragedies, and above all your desire for peace and peace. – continued the Pope, who spoke to Russian president Vladimir Putin in early June, calling him to take action to end the conflict.
"The Pope appealed to Russia for a peace-friendly gesture, stressing the importance of dialog to accomplish affirmative contacts between the parties and to search solutions to the conflict," informed the Holy See in a peculiar statement. Leon XIV, from the very beginning of his pontificate, stressed the request for diplomacy to end bloody conflicts in the world.
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has over 5 million members, that is about 10 percent of the population of Ukraine. In the times of the russian Union he was oppressed by the communist government.
The Archbishop of the Greater Szewczuk said that the fresh Pope “is with the Ukrainian people... The Holy See will proceed to support any initiative to make the essential conditions for dialog and will accompany the Ukrainian people at this terrible time in its history."
The president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenski expressed gratitude to the Pope for the words addressed to Ukrainian pilgrims. Ukrainian leader thanked Leon XIV for "His continuing prayers and compassion for Ukraine and our nation". He tweeted on X: “Together we must halt this thoughtless Russian aggression and defend innocent lives. Peace is needed. And we would besides be profoundly grateful for your kind assistance in bringing all our people — adults and children — into Russian captivity against their will," wrote the Ukrainian President.
Source: Cruxnow.com, press.vatican.va
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