“A Dialogue for Peace, Humanity, and Justice” in Melbourne
On May 5, 2026, Bishop Mykola Cardinal Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne, participated in a panel discussion titled “Dialogue for Peace, Humanity, and Justice”, organised by the Pope’s international mission agency “Catholic Mission” in collaboration with the Xavier Social Justice Network.
Participants in the panel discussion, held at Xavier College in Melbourne, included His Eminence Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon in Myanmar; His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne; and the Director Programs at “Catholic Mission”, Lawrence Gigliotti.
At the beginning, the Most Rev. Peter A. Comensoli, Archbishop of Melbourne, greeted those present and highlighted the importance of Christian witness, human solidarity, and the shared search for peace in today’s world. “If we are truly one in Christ, then our unity must be visible in the bridges we build between people, cultures and nations, between suffering and those who reach out in hope,” emphasised Archbishop Peter.
During the discussion, participants shared their experiences of the Church’s ministry in countries facing war, violence, and humanitarian challenges. Cardinal Charles Bo spoke about the complex situation in Myanmar, the persecution of Christians, the suffering of the civilian population, and the challenges young people in his country face today.
Bishop Mykola shared his experience of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church’s ministry amid the war in Ukraine and spoke about the challenges faced by Ukrainians, who are often forced to flee their homes due to Russian aggression. “Today, there are millions of internally displaced persons in Ukraine; thousands of people have lost their homes, their families, and their loved ones. For many, the war has become a daily reality. Due to the war and the pandemic, some Ukrainian children have been unable to attend school normally for years. In many cities, schooling is only possible in shelters due to constant rocket attacks.” The bishop mentioned the millions of people who were forced to seek refuge in other countries, as well as the Ukrainians who arrived in Australia after the full-scale war began.
“We are all wounded by this war—not only Ukrainians but also people in various parts of the world. It takes more than a few days or even a few years to heal the wounds of war. It takes decades. That is why people need not only material aid, but also a presence, support, and hope. But we must remember that we are not alone, and that it is Christ who brings peace and healing to our wounds,” Bishop Mykola emphasised. He also stressed that the Ukrainian people continue to fight for their future, their children, and the freedom of their country and that the Church is called to stand by people during the darkest moments of their lives. “Sometimes it is impossible to find the right words, but it is very important simply to be there, to listen, and to let people know that they are not alone.” Bishop Mykola expressed his gratitude to Australia and Australians for their support of the Ukrainian people during this difficult time.
“Without justice and without truth, there will be no just and lasting peace,” Bishop Mykola noted, urging people not only to speak of peace but also to bear witness to it through their lives. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” he recalled, the words of the Gospel.
Participants in the discussion also reflected on how the Church can build “bridges of dialogue” in the modern world, respond to societal challenges, and accompany people who are experiencing pain, injustice, and uncertainty about the future. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the role of Christians in seeking peace, upholding human dignity, and bearing witness to hope even in times of great trial.
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