The Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Bishops of the Permanent Synod Hold a Series of Key Meetings in the Vatican
As part of the celebrations marking the Jubilee of the Eastern Catholic Churches, which took place in Rome from May 12 to 14, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), along with members of the Permanent Synod, held meetings with senior representatives of the Apostolic See: Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State; Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches; and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.
Meeting of members of the Permanent Synod of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church with Cardinal Pietro Parolin
During these meetings, His Beatitude Sviatoslav extended congratulations on the election of the new Pope Leo XIV, who, during his first Regina Caeli (“Queen of Heaven”), called for peace and remembered the suffering of Ukraine, a country long afflicted by war.
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The meetings were marked by attentive listening, fraternal dialogue, and a shared unity in Christ. The members of the Permanent Synod presented the current challenges facing the life and ministry of the UGCC both in Ukraine and throughout the diaspora, especially in light of the ongoing full-scale war resulting from Russian aggression.
Discussions focused on the state of pastoral ministry, the Church’s vital role during wartime, and the importance of its witness on the global stage. Particular attention was given to the spiritual care of Ukrainians forced to leave their homeland.
Cardinal Parolin and other Vatican officials expressed deep solidarity with the Ukrainian people, reaffirming their steadfast support for a just peace, truth, and the defense of human dignity in line with the Church’s social teaching. They also underscored the significant role the UGCC plays in both the spiritual and public life of Ukraine.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav thanked the Vatican leaders for their continued prayers, as well as for the diplomatic and humanitarian support extended to Ukraine. He also voiced hope for fruitful cooperation during the new pontificate.
The meetings were attended by His Beatitude Sviatoslav; Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Philadelphia; Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh, Apostolic Exarch in Germany and Scandinavia; Bishop Yaroslav Pryriz, Eparch of Sambir-Drohobych; Bishop Josafat Moschych, Eparch of Chernivtsi; Bishop Mykhailo Bubniy, Exarch of Odessa; and Bishop Andriy Khimyak, Secretary of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC.
On May 15, during one of the first private audiences of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV received His Beatitude Sviatoslav at the Apostolic Palace. The Holy Father expressed his closeness to the Ukrainian people and assured them of his continued support. His Beatitude invited the Pope to visit Ukraine and presented him with lists of Ukrainian prisoners and missing persons.
The UGCC Department for Informstion
