20 Years in Eternity: We Ask St. Pope John Paul II to Pray for Peace in Ukraine from Heaven
Today marks the 20th anniversary of St. Pope John Paul II’s passing into eternity.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav with Pope John Paul II
During his pastoral visit to Poland, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the UGCC, reflected on the legacy of Pope John Paul II, stating: “Ukrainians remember him as the pope of Ukrainian sovereignty, the only pope in history who addressed our people in the Ukrainian language. And our youth will remember him as a pope who loved, respected, and listened to them.”
“John Paul II is not merely a historical figure for us, Ukrainians. His message and charisma remain deeply relevant today, reflecting both our present reality and our calling to true freedom in the future—a freedom we must defend, even at the cost of our own blood,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav said during a scientific conference in Poland.
In his weekly address, the Primate also recalled the pope’s unwavering defense of human life:
“John Paul II had the courage to stand for life from its natural beginning to its natural end. He once addressed the oligarchs of Ukraine, saying: ‘Take care not of your own profit and financial gain, but of the dignity of human life.’ He reminded Ukrainians of the words of Volodymyr Monomakh: ‘Do not let the strong destroy the weak’—words that now resonate prophetically in our hearts. He admonished politicians, especially those in whose hands the fate of entire nations rests.”
Addressing students, the Patriarch quoted Pope John Paul II’s words to Ukrainian youth: “Your Ukraine needs you. Ukraine will be what you make it.”
“Today, we ask St. Pope John Paul II to intercede for peace in Ukraine from heaven. In his time, he tore down walls, particularly those erected by communist regimes in Central and Eastern Europe, and built relationships. Now, in the communion of saints, he is surely praying for Ukraine, for Europe, for the Ukrainian and Polish peoples, and for world peace. May the prayers of the saints in heaven, and among them St. John Paul II, help bring about the long-awaited, just, and heavenly peace in Ukraine,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav said.
It is worth recalling that on April 2, 2005, the passing of Pope John Paul II was announced by Archbishop Leonardo Sandri in St. Peter’s Square. At 9:37 p.m., he declared, “Our Holy Father has returned to the Father’s House.” It was the evening of the Feast of Divine Mercy.
Tens of thousands of faithful gathered outside the papal apartments in the Vatican. For the first time in history, a pope was farewelled with spontaneous applause—a sign of love and respect that continued through the day of his funeral, which brought together presidents, prime ministers, kings and princes, religious leaders from around the world, and several million faithful. Following the funeral services, Pope John Paul II was laid to rest in St. Peter’s Basilica.
On May 1, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI declared John Paul II a saint. His canonization, along with that of Pope John XXIII, took place on April 27, 2014—Divine Mercy Sunday.
Every year on April 2, believers and non-believers alike honor this saintly pope through Holy Liturgies, prayers, books, exhibitions, and cultural events. A steady stream of pilgrims continues to visit his tomb in St. Peter’s Basilica.
For Ukrainians, his visit in June 2001 remains especially dear and unforgettable.
The UGCC Department for Information
