Statement by His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok on the Election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV
On Thursday, 8 May 2025, the cardinals gathered in conclave following the passing of Pope Francis and elected his successor, Cardinal Robert Prevost, who took the name Leo XIV. For the first time, Cardinal Mykola Bychok, Eparch of the Eparchy of Sts. Peter and Paul of Melbourne for Ukrainian Catholics in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, participated in the conclave.
Statement by His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok
On the Election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV
Rome, 8 May 2025
Christ is Risen!
With heartfelt joy and filial devotion, I welcome the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as the 266th Successor of the Apostle Peter. This sacred moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Church, one filled with hope, prayer, and a renewed commitment to unity and mission.
It was both a tremendous privilege and solemn responsibility to take part in the conclave. In that sacred space of discernment and prayer, I joined my brother cardinals in entrusting ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, seeking the one who would lead the Church forward with courage and compassion.
In his first words to the world—”Peace be with all you”—Pope Leo XIV offered a message of deep pastoral simplicity and strength. While he did not speak of any one nation, his call for peace resounds in the hearts of all who suffer from violence and division, especially the people of Ukraine, who continue to endure the pain of war and displacement.
The Holy Father also reminded us that the Church’s mission is to “proclaim the Risen Christ”—a call that lies at the very heart of our faith. His voice is one of hope and resurrection, calling the Church not to retreat from the world, but to engage it with love, mercy, and unwavering truth.
Pope Leo XIV has already shown signs of being a unifying force, not only for the Catholic Church with all its diverse rites and traditions, but also for a world fragmented by conflict and fear. His pastoral heart and clear vision offer encouragement to all who seek healing and reconciliation.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations and loyal prayers to the new Holy Father. We entrust his pontificate to the care of the Most Holy Mother of God and ask the Lord to strengthen him as he leads the Church in proclaiming Christ crucified and risen to the nations.
”Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15)
ENDS
CONTACTS:
Dr Olha Bilyakovska (Press Office of the Ukrainian Eparchy) +61 482038799 [email protected]
Very Rev. Simon Ckuj (Vicar General) +61 431659593
