Leo XIV receives the pilgrims and bishops of the Ukrainian Greco-Catholic Church

Pope Leo XIV received this morning at the Basilica of San Pedro to the pilgrims of the Ukrainian Greco-Catholic Church, who are passing in Rome on the occasion of the Jubileo de la Esperanza.

All Ukrainian bishops, together with a large group of faithful, crossed the Holy Gate of San Pedro. In addition, Kyiv-Halyč’s major archbishop, Mons. Sviatoslav Shevchuk, presided over the divine liturgy.

The Holy Father went to the pilgrims, emphasizing that he shares his pain “for the prisoners and the victims of this meaningless war” that Ukraine lives for more than three years. “I entrust to the Lord his intentions, his fatigue and daily tragedies and, above all, his desires for peace and serenity,” said the Pope.

“His pilgrimage is a sign of the desire to renew his faith, to strengthen his link and communion with the bishop of Rome and to testify to the hope that he does not disappoint, because he is born from the love of Christ, shed in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (cf. Rm 5,5),” he said.

Leo XIV pointed out that the jubilee year, convened by Pope Francis, invites testimony of hope throughout life and regardless of the adversities that arise. The pilgrimage to Rome, it continued, is “symbol of this daily path, which extends towards eternity.”

In addition, he highlighted the testimony of the Christian faith of the “beautiful land”, fertilized throughout its history by the example of so many saints and “watered by the blood of so many martyrs, which over the centuries, with the gift of their life, have sealed their faithfulness to the apostle Peter and their successors.”

The Pope, confirming in the faith all the pilgrims, then invited them to share it with all the people who cross their way and make God available, following the example of the Blessed Virgin, to “open new horizons of faith, hope and peace, especially for all those who suffer.”

Beyond violence and war, which can generate many doubts and questions in believers, Leo XIV asked to abandon himself confidently in God, who tests the faith of his people.

“Believing does not mean having all the answers, but trusting that God is with us and gives us his grace, that He will pronounce the last word and life will overcome death,” he said.

“Faith, dear, is a treasure to share. Every moment brings difficulties, adversities and challenges, but also opportunities to grow in trust and abandonment to God,” added the Pope.

Finally, he encouraged them to walk together – speakers and faithful – “with the look fixed on Jesus, our salvation.” The Holy Father blessed the pilgrims, their families, the Ukrainian Greco-Catholic Church and the whole country, putting them under the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin, mother of hope.