The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), His Beatitude Sviatoslav (Shevchuk), met with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 15, the UGCC reported.
During the meeting, His Beautide invited the pope to visit Ukraine.
The Holy Father, meanwhile, expressed his solidarity with the Ukrainian people and pledged his support while speaking at the Apostolic Palace library.
The pope also vowed “every effort” to try to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table for peace talks.
“The Holy See is always ready to help bring enemies together, face to face, to talk to one another, so that peoples everywhere may once more find hope and recover the dignity they deserve, the dignity of peace,” he said on May 14, according to numerous dispatches from Western media outlets.
Congratulating the Pope on his election as the Universal Pastor, His Beatitude also thanked him for his early words and gestures regarding Ukraine.
“The Ukrainian people have already hailed you as the Pope of Peace. Last Sunday, you expressed that the pain of the Ukrainian people weighs heavily on your heart. Your call for a true, just, and lasting peace is especially timely, and your concern for prisoners and deported children reflects your special paternal care for the war’s most vulnerable victims,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav also handed Pope Leo XIV lists of Ukrainians who are currently held captive by Russia as well as those missing in action.
UGCC head emphasized to the Holy Father how deeply meaningful his calls to end the war are for the Ukrainian people.
“These words serve as a true spiritual balm for the wounded soul of our nation. They keep Ukraine alive in the memory of the international community and restore the identity that some seek to erase by denying our very right to exist,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
Many Ukrainians believe that a papal visit could play a crucial role in bringing peace to the country.
“While the timing and opportunity are ultimately determined by the Lord, I feel it is my duty to extend an invitation on behalf of millions of Ukrainians who eagerly await your visit,” His Beatitude said.
In response, Pope Leo XIV assured the UGCC leader that the Holy See will continue to support efforts toward dialogue and will steadfastly stand with the Ukrainian people during this tragic chapter in history.
Cover: the UGCC
