Kyiv: As Ukraine continues to endure the pain and uncertainty of war, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has said that forgiveness and reconciliation remain the only path to healing the deep wounds left by conflict, both in Ukraine and across Europe.
Speaking to Vatican Media after meeting Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher in Kyiv, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk reflected on the importance of prayer, unity and hope during one of the most difficult periods in the country's modern history.
Archbishop Gallagher is visiting Ukraine as the special envoy of Pope Leo XIV for celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the restoration of the structures of the Latin Rite Catholic Church in Ukraine. The main celebrations are scheduled to take place on Sunday at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Berdychiv. Before arriving in Kyiv, Archbishop Gallagher stopped at the Church of St John Paul II in Rivne.
Shevchuk warmly welcomed the Pope's representative, saying the presence of Archbishop Gallagher and the recent visit of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi have brought comfort to Ukrainian Catholics who continue to live under the shadow of war.
He said that praying together during wartime has taken on an even deeper meaning. According to him, prayer creates a space where wounded hearts can begin to heal. He described prayer as a healing gift of the Holy Spirit that reaches people who are suffering and gives them strength to continue.
Shevchuk added that gathering in prayer with the Holy Father's special envoys allows Ukrainians to feel united with the universal Church and with the Pope himself. He said their presence is a visible sign that the Catholic Church throughout the world is embracing the people of Ukraine and standing beside them in their suffering.
The Church leader also spoke about the close cooperation between different Christian communities and other faith groups inside Ukraine. He noted that Catholics of both the Byzantine and Latin traditions are working alongside Orthodox Christians, Protestants, Jews and Muslims through the All Ukrainian Council of Churches, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
He said this cooperation has become essential during the war, as religious communities work together to provide humanitarian assistance, care for displaced families and support people affected by the conflict. Christian charity, he said, has gone beyond religious differences, with churches joining hands to save lives and offer hope to everyone in need.
Shevchuk pointed to the enormous humanitarian challenges facing Ukraine. Referring to United Nations estimates, he said around five million people in the country currently require humanitarian assistance, while available international resources are sufficient to help only about two million people.
Although food, clothing and emergency aid remain vital, Shevchuk said many Ukrainians are searching for something even deeper. Recalling the words of Kyiv's mayor, he said people are looking to the Church for hope during a time of fear and uncertainty.
He described the present crisis as a moment of spiritual renewal, saying that many people are rediscovering their faith in the midst of suffering. According to him, the Church has a unique mission to respond to people's hunger for God by offering the Word of God, the Eucharist and spiritual comfort.
A major theme of the meeting between Shevchuk and Archbishop Gallagher was reconciliation and forgiveness. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the historic visit of Saint John Paul II to Ukraine, a milestone that Shevchuk said continues to inspire efforts toward peace and unity across Europe.
He recalled that Pope John Paul II believed one of his most important missions was helping European nations overcome the painful memories left by the Second World War. Today, Shevchuk said, those old wounds have been joined by the fresh suffering caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
He stressed that history cannot be changed, but people do have the power to choose forgiveness instead of remaining trapped by the pain of the past. He said neighbouring nations often carry memories of conflict and injustice, yet lasting peace can only be built when forgiveness is both offered and accepted.
Shevchuk concluded by saying that forgiveness remains the true medicine capable of healing the historical memory of Europe's peoples. While the war continues to bring destruction and loss, he expressed hope that faith, reconciliation and prayer can help build a future marked not by hatred, but by peace, healing and renewed solidarity among nations.