Melbourne: Ukrainian-born Mykola Bychok is among the 21 new cardinals elevated by Pope Francis on December 7, alongside Keralite Cardinal Mar George Koovakad. At just 44 years old, Cardinal Bychok, who leads the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Diocese of Melbourne, is now the youngest cardinal in the global Catholic Church. His diocese encompasses Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania.

During the consistory, held last Saturday, Cardinal Bychok stood out alongside Mar George Koovakkad as one of the few to don Eastern-rite vestments, a choice that drew media attention. In a post-ordination interview, he expressed his deep connection to Ukraine, despite serving as a bishop in Australia and now as a cardinal of the universal Church. He urged the faithful to continue praying for Ukraine.

Born on February 13, 1980, in Ternopil, Ukraine, Bychok was ordained a priest in 2005 and became the Ukrainian Catholic Bishop of Melbourne in 2020. His episcopal consecration took place on June 7, 2020, Pentecost according to the Julian calendar, at St. George's Cathedral in Lviv, Ukraine. His episcopal motto “Holy Mother of God, save us”.

Previously, the youngest cardinal appointed was Bishop Giorgio Marengo, an Italian missionary to Mongolia, who was elevated in 2022 at the age of 47. Cardinal Bychok’s appointment sets a new benchmark for youthful leadership in the Catholic hierarchy.