The Head of the UGCC in Berdychiv to Archbishop Gallagher: “Please Convey to Pope Leo XIV the Love and Devotion of the Ukrainian People”
On July 19, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, participated in Holy Mass at the All-Ukrainian Sanctuary of the Mother of God of the Holy Scapular. The service was presided over by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican envoy and Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See. The celebrations were dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the restoration of the structures of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine and the 25th anniversary of the apostolic journey to Ukraine by Saint Pope John Paul II.
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher was joined in the celebration of Holy Mass by bishops of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine, as well as the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
After the service, His Beatitude Sviatoslav addressed the pilgrims.
“Today, I am especially delighted and honored to be with you on this pilgrimage on behalf of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church—together with our priests and faithful,” said the Primate of the UGCC.
The Head of the UGCC noted that this year Ukrainian Christians are commemorating two important anniversaries—the 25th anniversary of Pope Saint John Paul II’s apostolic journey to Ukraine and the 430th anniversary of the Union of Brest.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav expressed his hope that “we would not only commemorate the anniversaries of past visits, but also look forward to welcoming His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Ukraine.”
Speaking about the 430th anniversary of the Union of Brest, he referred to it as “a special moment in the restoration of the unity of the Church of Kyiv with the successor of the Apostle Peter.”
The Primate emphasized that the joint Eucharist in Berdychiv served as a vivid demonstration of this unity: “We are the heirs of this unity, which was so distinctly manifested here in the joint Eucharist.”
“We pray that the Lord God may hear the prayer of the Universal Catholic Church and put an end to this unfair war,” added the Head of the UGCC.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav addressed special words of gratitude to Pope Leo XIV’s special envoy, thanking him for his service to the Holy See and his support for Ukraine. “We know that the Vatican diplomacy is God’s will, for the Holy See—and Pope Leo XIV in particular—is today a herald of authentic peace. Thank you for your service in being the voice of the suffering people of Ukraine,” he said.
The Head of the UGCC also expressed special gratitude to the Holy See for its mediation in securing the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war, civilian hostages, and abducted children.
In conclusion, His Beatitude Sviatoslav asked Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher to convey to the Holy Father the love and devotion of the Ukrainian people. “We ask you, upon your return to Rome, to convey to Pope Leo XIV the love and devotion of the Ukrainian people. We pray that the peace which the world cannot grant, but which Christ alone can bestow, may reign over our long-suffering Ukrainian land,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav added.
The UGCC Department for Information
