Head of UGCC and French Ambassador Discuss Humanitarian Crisis and Diplomacy's Role in Ending War
On June 2, 2025, a meeting took place between His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, and Mr. Gaël Veyssière, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Ukraine, at the Patriarchal Residence in Kyiv. The meeting was held at the request of the ambassador.
During the conversation, the parties discussed the efforts of the international community—particularly the Holy See—aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. Ambassador Veyssière highlighted the initiatives of Pope Leo XIV to find ways of achieving a just peace.
“Indeed, the time has come for diplomacy to take action,” emphasized His Beatitude Sviatoslav, expressing gratitude to France for its steadfast support of Ukraine on the international stage, as well as for the active engagement of European states in diplomatic efforts to end the war.
The Head of the UGCC shared his impressions of his recent visit to Paris, particularly his meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The parties discussed the outcomes of the visit and the role of the Church in contemporary Ukrainian society.
Special attention was given to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized that the humanitarian crises are worsening and spoke about the UGCC’s initiatives to address the urgent needs of the population. He also thanked the French side for its fruitful cooperation and continued support.
Ambassador Veyssière commended the UGCC’s role in conveying the truth about Ukraine to the international community, particularly to the Apostolic See, and in supporting the efforts of Pope Leo XIV to end the war. He noted the high level of trust that Ukrainian society places in the UGCC and remarked that this role would only grow as the country rebuilds and develops a democratic society.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Beatitude Sviatoslav presented the French ambassador with a facsimile edition of the Reims Gospel, associated with the name of Anna Yaroslavna, emphasizing the importance of historical ties between Ukraine and France.
