Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the 169th Week of the War: We Feel that Leo XIV Will Be a Pope of Peace for Ukraine
The one who will bring hope for God’s blessed peace to a tormented humanity is Pope Leo XIV, anointed by God. This was stated by His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, in his traditional video message during the 169th week of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine.
The Primate noted that fighting continues relentlessly along the front lines. Each night, Russians target our cities and villages. Any statements of truce from the Russian aggressor mean the opposite in reality—further killing and destruction, in other words, an escalation of the war.
The most anticipated global news this week was the long-awaited announcement “Habemus Papam,” which resounded in the heart of the Eternal City, in St. Peter’s Square: “We have news of the election of the Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV, head of the Universal Catholic Church.” We rejoice with the entire Universal Church and extend congratulations on behalf of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to the newly elected Pope and to the global Church on this momentous historical event.
According to His Beatitude, Ukrainians are especially attuned to the Pope’s words about peace, for he brings hope that we may live in freedom, flourish, and breathe the air of our risen Savior.
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Video-message of the Head of the UGCC on the 169th Week of Full-Scale War, May 11, 2025
His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized the significance of the name Leo and expressed his hope that in our time, under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV—who will breathe Christ’s peace upon the world—the modern Church and humanity will not only renew the Church’s social teaching on just peace in today’s context, but also embody this peace through concrete acts of faith in the lives of all people.
“The newly elected Holy Father desires that this peace of Christ reach all nations, all people. We believe that Leo XIV will be a Pope of peace for Ukraine,” said the Primate.
The UGCC Department for Information
