🤝 On Wednesday, July 2, an audience was held in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican between Pope Leo XIV and the bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The Holy Father expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people, praising their faith and hope despite the war.
Source: “Espreso“
🕊️ The Pope recalled meeting Ukrainian pilgrims on June 28 at St. Peter’s Basilica and emphasized the importance of unity among believers. He noted his understanding of the many challenges facing the UGCC, particularly in the ecclesiastical and humanitarian spheres.
🙏 At the end of the meeting, the Pope invited the bishops to pray the “Our Father” in Ukrainian — a prayer that deeply moved him during the pilgrimage. He also offered a prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary for a swift return of peace to Ukraine.
🎁 The Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, thanked the Pontiff for his support and gifted him an icon of Saint Michael the Archangel — the patron of Kyiv. He also handed over lists of Ukrainian prisoners of war and those missing in action.
📬 At the conclusion of the audience, His Beatitude Sviatoslav again invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Ukraine. In response, the Pope assured that he prays daily for Ukraine and its people.