Head of the UGCC: ‘Cardinal Parolin’s Visit to Ukraine Has Three Dimensions’
Cardinal Parolin has raised the voice of the people and is to meet with the President of Ukraine to voice not only the Holy See but also the religious community of our Ukraine before the state authorities. This was stated by the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, as he commented on the visit of the Vatican Secretary of State to Ukraine after his meeting with the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations on July 22.
The Head of the UGCC described the visit of the Holy See’s envoy as historic: “Today, many people avoid speaking about the tragedy of the Ukrainian people, and therefore, the visit of His Eminence Pietro Parolin is not only a way for Pope Francis to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people but also a message to the international community. We see that this visit is truly being recognized by the international community. Many people are following it. The statements made by the cardinal are important both for Ukraine and for the world.”
According to him, Cardinal Parolin visited the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv, as well as a bomb shelter that continues to provide refuge to people. He expressed his support and gratitude for the humanitarian mission of the UGCC and noted that he was impressed by the development of the Church.
Кардинал П’єтро Паролін у Патріаршому соборі Воскресіння Христового, Київ, 21 липня 2024 року
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He also met with the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations. “After visiting our statesmen, the leaders of the Ukrainian state [on July 22, Cardinal Parolin met with the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine — Ed], today he heard the voice of the people—ordinary, simple people. This was emphasized because the Council of Churches represents 75 % of the people of Ukraine,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
Cardinal Parolin emphasized the threefold mission of the Holy See regarding the war in Ukraine. The first mission is to ensure that the world does not forget about this war.
The second mission is humanitarian. He spoke about various initiatives, not only humanitarian aid, such as feeding, warming, providing medicines and other essentials to those in need, but also the Holy See’s assistance in the release of prisoners of war.
The third mission is diplomacy, as Cardinal Parolin is the head of papal diplomacy. According to the Vatican Secretary of State, this diplomacy has a single goal: to promote a just peace and prevent wars.
“We thank Cardinal Parolin for this historic visit to Ukraine. It is interesting to note what he wished for the next meeting, saying: ‘I know that perhaps in Ukraine you are waiting for the arrival of the Pope’. However, he suggested that the next visit should be made by the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches to the Apostolic Capital,” said the Primate.
The UGCC Department for Information
