(ZENIT News / Ciudad del Vaticano, 10.10.2024).- In a solemn meeting held on October 10, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, met with Pope Francis to share the harrowing realities of Ukraine’s ongoing war and the looming challenges of winter. The encounter took place at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, just before the Pope’s scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Archbishop Shevchuk, who also participates in the Synod on Synodality as a representative of his nation’s beleaguered population, described the audience as «a moment of spiritual reflection and exchange.» He emphasized the dire circumstances faced by Ukrainians, particularly as colder months approach, and conveyed the deep concern expressed by Pope Francis for the civilian population, especially the most vulnerable.
The Ongoing War and a Struggling Church
During their conversation, Archbishop Shevchuk briefed the Pope on the deteriorating situation in Ukraine, referring to the war as an unfolding «disaster.» The Archbishop highlighted the humanitarian crisis, detailing the immense difficulties faced by millions as the nation prepares for another harsh winter under the shadow of conflict.
Shevchuk also shared updates on the life of the Ukrainian Church amidst these challenges. He presented the results of the Ukrainian Bishops’ Synod held in July, which focused on evangelization in a time of war. The outcome of this synod was a pastoral letter, reflecting the Church’s theological response to the war and its vision for achieving a just peace.
«The word of God is a message of hope, especially for a people engulfed in despair,» Shevchuk told Vatican media, emphasizing the crucial role of spiritual leadership during such trying times.
Papal Support and Recognition
Pope Francis, who has consistently voiced concern for Ukraine since the outbreak of the war, expressed his gratitude for the «heroic» efforts of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, its bishops, and clergy. The Pope offered his prayers and blessings, reaffirming his commitment to Ukraine’s suffering people.
The Archbishop also conveyed his own appreciation for the Pope’s continuous interventions on Ukraine’s behalf, particularly highlighting the recent release of two Redemptorist priests, Father Ivan Levytskyi and Father Bohdan Heleta, who had been detained by Russian forces in 2022. Their release, secured through a prisoner exchange on June 29, was seen as a significant achievement, made possible in part by Vatican mediation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously extended his gratitude to the Holy See for its diplomatic efforts in securing their freedom.
A Key Meeting with President Zelensky
The Pope’s meeting with President Zelensky, scheduled for October 11, will mark their third official encounter at the Vatican. This meeting holds particular significance as the Ukrainian leader seeks continued moral and diplomatic support from the Holy See amid ongoing conflict.
Archbishop Shevchuk underscored the importance of Zelensky’s engagement with Pope Francis, noting that the Ukrainian president holds the Pope in high esteem as a global moral authority. The archbishop remarked, «For us, the support of the Pope and the Holy See is vital, especially as we endure this painful chapter in our nation’s history.»
An Urgent Call for Solidarity
Before returning to the discussions of the Synod, Archbishop Shevchuk made an impassioned appeal to the international community through Vatican media outlets. As winter approaches, nearly six million Ukrainians face severe food shortages, he warned, urging global solidarity and prayers for his nation.
«We must feed the hungry and provide warmth to those who will suffer in the cold,» he stressed. «Pray for Ukraine, and we trust in your solidarity.»
With winter closing in and the war showing no signs of abating, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church’s call for aid resonates not only as a plea for immediate relief but as a reminder of the ongoing humanitarian toll of the conflict.
Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.
