Pope Leo XIV met with Ukrainian pilgrims in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Saturday, June 28, telling the delegation of Ukraine’s Greek Catholics that their faith is being put to the test.
That’s according to Vatican News, Ukrinform reports.
The faithful of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church made their official pilgrimage on the occasion of the anniversary of the UGCC, which is marked under the slogan “Pilgrims of Hope”.
Having passed through the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica, the bishops and faithful gathered in front of the main altar. At noon, Pope Leo XIV joined the group.
Having ascended to the altar, accompanied by His Beatitude Sviatoslav, head of the UGCC, the Holy Father addressed those present with a speech.
He expressed his closeness to the “suffering Ukraine”, to its children, youths, the elderly and, especially, to the families who mourn their loved ones.
Pontiff said he shared Ukrainians’ pain for the prisoners and victims of “this senseless war”, adding that that the Lord will have the final word and life will triumph over death.
After that, those present sang the prayer “Our Father”, and then the Holy Father blessed those present and greeted the bishops of the UGCC, who had gathered in Rome for the annual Synod of Bishops.
Before leaving the basilica, the Holy Father also greeted the delegation of mothers of fallen Ukrainian soldiers.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, on June 28-29, the anniversary pilgrimage of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to the tomb of the Holy Apostle Peter is taking place in Rome.
