Pope Francis said that he would do everything to keep the peace in Eastern Europe (updated)

Monday, 17 March 2014, 09:28

Today, March 17, the Holy Father Francis had a personal audience with His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

See also:

His Beatitude Sviatoslav told in details about the events that took place in Ukraine in recent months. It was highlighted that UGCC in this difficult time was with its people and pastors with faithful have experienced all the drama of social conflict and continue to serve their people according to their needs.

Separately, the Primate analyzed the interfaith relations in Ukraine and activity of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and religious organizations. He drew attention to the efforts of the religious environment in maintaining the civil peace, unity and understanding among the various national and religious communities seeking to comfort in peace in the sovereign and independent Ukrainian state.

Pope Francis expressed his solidarity and closeness to the people of Ukraine, their sufferings and dangers that wait for Ukrainian state recently. Particular attention the Holy Father paid to the challenges facing Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The Pope assured His Beatitude Sviatoslav that the Holy See will do the best to keep the peace in Eastern Europe, to prevent military confrontation and the danger of escalating violence and bloodshed.

His Beatitude Sviatoslav in particular noted that the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church throughout the history has been able to endure persecution and to acknowledge allegiance to Christ through unity and full communion with the Successor of the Apostle Peter. The Ecumenical Bishop, according to the Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, is a former protector of the Ukrainian Church and our people, and such support from the Pope we really need in this difficult period of our life.

In addition to that, the Holy Father said that this care and support of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church from the Holy See will never be lack. In conclusion, the Pope Francis gave His Beatitude Sviatoslav and all the Ukrainian people His apostolic benediction.

Besides that, on 17 March the Head of the UGCC met with Cardinal Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State.

UGCC Department of Information