The Head of the UGCC called on the clergy and the faithful to pray for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
The Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, called on the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC, as well as all the clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Church, to unite in prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, as requested by Pope Francis on Wednesday, December 28, concluding the General Audience.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav, in particular, recalled this year’s private audience with the Pope-emeritus at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, which took place on November 9 during his visit to Rome. Then, according to the Head of the UGCC, the pope emeritus was “particularly familiar and concerned about the situation in Ukraine and assured that he was praying for the Ukrainian people.”
“The entire Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church,” added His Beatitude Sviatoslav, “wishes to unite in prayer around this great witness of our time and thank him for his silent testimony as pope emeritus and, at the same time, his pursuits of continuing his work for the unity of the Church, which was an outstanding feature of his pontificate.”
As it is known, on Wednesday, December 28, at the end of the General Audience, Pope Francis addressed everyone with a special request for a “special prayer” for his 95-year-old predecessor. The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, confirmed, “In the last few hours there has been an aggravation of his health due to advancing age. At the moment he remains under control and is constantly monitored by doctors”.
The Secretariat of the Head of the UGCC in Rome
