News

Pope praises Ukrainian archbishop’s decision to stay to serve neediest

By

Share this article:

ROME  — As Russian troops approached Ukraine’s capital, Pope Francis phoned the head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, offering his encouragement and promising, “I will do everything I can” to help.

The pope called Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Halych, major archbishop of the Eastern-rite church, late in the afternoon Feb. 25, according to the Ukrainian Catholic Church’s press office in Rome.

Earlier in the day, breaking usual diplomatic practice, Pope Francis had left the Vatican and gone to the Russian Embassy to the Holy See “to express his concern for the war,” said Matteo Bruni, the head of the Vatican press office.

Archbishop Shevchuk’s office said that, during the phone call, Pope Francis asked him about the situation in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine on the second full day of the Russian attack. According to multiple news reports, Russian troops were advancing on the capital, Kyiv, where the archbishop has remained.

Pope Francis asked about the bishops and priests in the areas of heaviest fighting, the Ukrainian Catholic press office said. And he thanked the church for its closeness to the people.

“In particular, the pope praised the decision to remain with the people and to be at the service of the neediest,” including by opening the basement of Resurrection Cathedral in Kyiv as a bomb shelter, which already was being used by dozens of people, including families with children.

Catholic Relief Services is asking for donations to help Ukrainian refugees.

 

Tags: ,

Recent News

You May Also Like

Cardinals begin conclave after last public Mass

As conclave nears, all but four cardinal electors are in Rome

Humble pastor lifted local lives

Conclave is guided by rule book and prayer book

Pope favored sculptures that gave visibility to the invisible

Conclave to elect next pope will begin May 7

Menu