The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, believes that Pope Leo XIV seeks a just peace for Ukraine.
He stated this during an interview with Apostrophe TV.
"Pope Leo XIV is a deeply spiritual person who struck me as an introvert. He listens attentively, and when he speaks or makes decisions, his words are mature and balanced. His initial steps and gestures regarding Ukraine have been clear, eloquent, and unambiguous," stated the head of the UGCC.
He noted that not only Ukraine but the entire world perceives Pope Leo XIV as the Pope of peace. His Beatitude Sviatoslav recalled that the Pope's first words from St. Peter's Basilica after his election were: “Peace be with you.”
He also mentioned that during his first meeting with the diplomatic corps at the Vatican, the Pope explained his understanding of the concept of peace.
"As a former Augustinian monk, he described true peace as just peace, based on the doctrine of St. Augustine. He emphasized that peace is connected with respect for human dignity. Peace without justice and without respect for the dignity of an entire people is false peace," the head of the UGCC explained.
According to him, Ukrainians see in Pope Leo XIV a ray of hope for peace. The Pope has also offered the Vatican as a space for mediation.
"In our conversation, he declared that the Vatican would do everything possible to help achieve a just peace and put an end to the war. Therefore, I believe that Pope Leo XIV is a caring father for Ukraine, who empathizes with our suffering and is committed to serving so that Ukraine can finally end the war," His Beatitude Sviatoslav shared.
However, it remains unclear when the Pope will visit Ukraine at the invitation of the President of Ukraine and the UGCC.