Head of the UGCC in the 174th Week of the War: Children from Kharkiv Tell Pope Leo XIV about Marichka, Killed by Russians
A deeply moving and joyful event took place this week in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, where Pope Leo XIV received a delegation of children from Kharkiv in a special audience. We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Holy Father for this kind gesture. This was stated by His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, in his traditional video address on the 174th week of the Ukrainian people’s nationwide resistance against Russian aggression.
The Primate noted that the past week was once again marked by intense fighting and shelling of peaceful cities and villages.
He stated that, according to various international sources, the number of Russian military fatalities in Ukraine has now exceeded one million. Despite sending countless soldiers to certain death, Russia has still failed to achieve any of its objectives.
The Head of the Church once again thanked God and the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the gift of life, for the opportunity to work, pray, and continue the struggle.
He also expressed gratitude to those who facilitated the large-scale exchange of prisoners of war.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized the significance of the children’s meeting with Pope Leo XIV, during which they told him about Marichka—a young girl from the parish of St. Nicholas—her life, her faith, and her tragic death.
Speaking about the continued Russian bombings, the spiritual leader drew attention to the damage inflicted just days ago on St. Sophia Cathedral—the oldest Christian church and spiritual landmark in Eastern Europe.
“I want to stress again that every air strike on Kyiv poses a deadly threat to this gem of spirituality, history, and architecture in Christian Eastern Europe. We urge the global community to recognize this danger and help us protect a precious part of humanity’s and Christianity’s heritage, which is under grave threat every night,” the Primate said.
