Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV offered a deeply moving message of solidarity and spiritual strength to Ukrainian Greek Catholics during a special audience on the occasion of their Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome. Addressing the community, which has been deeply affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Pope acknowledged the immense hardships they face, describing their faith as being “severely tested” amidst “a senseless and tragic war.”
Speaking to a delegation led by His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, Major Archbishop of Kyiv-Halyč, and including bishops, clergy, religious, and lay faithful, the Pope warmly welcomed the group at the Vatican. “I extend my heartfelt greeting to all of you who have come to the tomb of the Apostle Peter,” he said, emphasizing his closeness to the people of Ukraine especially the children, elderly, and grieving families mourning the loss of loved ones.
“I share your sorrow for those imprisoned, and for all victims of this senseless violence,” he added. Reassuring the community, Pope Leo said he is praying for their intentions, daily struggles, and their deep yearning for peace.
Urging the faithful not to lose heart, the Pope reminded them that true belief does not require having all the answers, especially in times of anguish. “Believing means trusting that God is with us, that He grants us grace, and that He alone will speak the final word where life will conquer death,” he stated. He encouraged the Church in Ukraine to continue walking in faith, keeping their gaze fixed on Christ, who is their salvation.
The pilgrimage to Rome, the Pope remarked, is a testament to their desire to renew their faith and deepen communion with the See of Peter. “Your journey is a witness to a hope that does not deceive because it is born of the love of Christ poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit,” he said. In this Jubilee Year, he called upon the faithful to become "pilgrims of hope" amid adversity.
Reflecting on the realities of war, Pope Leo acknowledged the deep spiritual questioning many must be experiencing. “Since the outbreak of this war, many of you have surely asked: ‘Lord, why all this suffering? Where are You? What can we do to save our homes and our nation?’” he said. The Holy Father affirmed that such questions are natural in times of crisis but insisted that God’s grace is present even in silence, and that the triumph of life over death is assured.
Drawing inspiration from the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom the Ukrainian faithful hold in deep devotion, Pope Leo invited them to follow her example of trust and surrender. “Mary, with her humble and courageous ‘yes,’ opened the path to salvation,” he said. “In the same way, your simple and sincere ‘yes’ to God can become a powerful instrument in His hands for the good of the world.”
He encouraged the faithful to see in Mary’s response a model for today: a “yes” that leads to new horizons of peace, hope, and purpose even amid suffering.
The Pope likened the faithful’s Jubilee pilgrimage marked by passing through the Holy Doors and praying at the tombs of saints to the broader spiritual journey of life. “This is a path toward eternity, where the Lord will wipe away every tear, and death and mourning shall be no more,” he said, quoting the Book of Revelation.
He urged the Ukrainian Greek Catholics to be bearers of hope, sharing their resilient faith with loved ones and fellow citizens, becoming lights of encouragement in a time of national darkness.
Pope Leo XIV concluded by invoking the protection of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Hope, over the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and its people. He offered his Apostolic Blessing to their families, communities, and all who suffer from the ongoing war.
“As you walk this difficult path, know that the Church walks with you, prays for you, and believes in your strength. The Lord has not abandoned you and He never will,” the Pope affirmed.