On 25 December 2002, Ukrainian Roman Catholics and Protestants together with their Christian brethren throughout the world celebrated Christmas according to the Gregorian calendar. On that day, Pope John Paul II delivered the traditional Christmas address “Urbi et orbi” (“To the City and the World”) and called for reconciliation, compassion and patience.
“I wish everyone the peace that the angels foretold when Jesus was born, and a blessed new year 2003,” said Cardinal Marian Jaworski, head of the Conference of Roman Catholic Bishops of Ukraine. Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, apostolic nuncio in Ukraine, also extended his Christmas greetings to all believers and people of good will.