"I share your pain for the prisoners and victims of this senseless war," — Pope to Ukrainian pilgrims in the Vatican

On Saturday, June 28, as many as 7,000 faithful members of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church made an official pilgrimage to the Vatican to celebrate the Holy Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” After passing through the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, the bishops and pilgrims gathered in front of the main altar, where Pope Leo XIV joined them at noon. This was reported by the UGCC Department for Information.

Accompanied by His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the Holy Father ascended to the altar and began the meeting with the traditional greeting: “Peace be with you all!” In his address, the Pope warmly spoke to everyone present, including bishops, priests, consecrated individuals, and faithful laypeople.

“Your pilgrimage is a sign of the desire to renew the faith, to strengthen the bond and communion with the Bishop of Rome, and to bear witness to the hope that does not disappoint,” said the Holy Father, highlighting the symbolic significance of the jubilee journey.

The Pope paid special attention to the challenging situation in Ukraine. Recognizing that the faith of the Ukrainian people is currently undergoing a severe test, he addressed the painful realities of war: “Many of you, since the war began, have surely asked yourselves: Lord, why all this? Where are you?”

Leo XIV emphasized that believing does not mean having all the answers, but rather trusting that God is with us and that life will ultimately triumph over death. He particularly noted Ukraine's rich Christian heritage, “made fruitful by the blood of many martyrs who, over the centuries, sealed their fidelity to the Apostle Peter and his successors.”

“Saying ‘yes’ today can open new horizons of faith, of hope, and of peace, especially for all those who are suffering,” the Pope urged, referencing the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is greatly cherished by the Ukrainian people.

The Holy Father expressed his solidarity with the suffering nation of Ukraine: “I share in your pain for the captives and victims of this senseless war. I entrust to the Lord your intentions, your daily struggles and tragedies, and above all, your longing for peace and serenity.”

The meeting concluded with a joint recitation of the “Lord's Prayer” and the papal blessing.

Pope Leo XIV personally welcomed the bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, who had gathered in Rome for their annual Synod of Bishops, along with a delegation of mothers of fallen soldiers.

“At the conclusion of this touching meeting, I sincerely bless you all — your families, your Church, and your people,” Pope Leo XIV stated. This meeting highlighted the ongoing unity of the UGCC with the Apostolic See during this challenging time for Ukraine.

Ukrainian pilgrims presented Pope Leo XIV with an icon of the Virgin Mary, which features St. Peter's Basilica and the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv. The icon also includes the logos for the jubilee year, and it was painted specifically for him to commemorate the Jubilee Pilgrimage of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.