Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher ends Ukraine visit with Zelensky talks, peace appeals, church meetings, and a major pilgrimage in Berdychiv.
Newsroom (20/07/2026 Gaudium Press ) Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher has concluded a five-day mission to Ukraine as the special envoy of Pope Leo XIV, ending a visit marked by high-level diplomatic meetings, pastoral outreach, prayers for peace, and renewed expressions of solidarity with a nation enduring the hardships of war.
On the final day of his visit, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv. He also visited the Maidan memorial, where he laid a bouquet of roses in honor of those who died during the 2013-2014 Revolution of Dignity and those who have since lost their lives in the war.
The memorial commemorates protesters who were killed in Kyiv’s Independence Square while advocating closer ties with Europe and democratic reforms, as well as victims of the conflict that followed. During discussions with Sybiha, the Holy See reaffirmed its closeness to the Ukrainian people and expressed hope for a just and lasting peace.
A Mission Combining Diplomacy and Pastoral Care
Archbishop Gallagher described his visit as a “twofold mission, both pastoral and diplomatic,” bringing together engagement with political leaders and direct contact with local Church communities.
Throughout the mission, he met bishops, clergy, religious communities, and humanitarian organizations. He also visited the Greek Catholic Cathedral of the Resurrection in Kyiv and participated in discussions focused on the humanitarian consequences of the war and ongoing efforts to support affected populations.
A significant part of the visit was dedicated to prayer and encouragement for Ukrainians living through nearly four and a half years of conflict. Gallagher repeatedly conveyed the spiritual closeness of Pope Leo XIV, assuring Ukrainians of the Pope’s prayers and concern.
Pilgrimage Celebration in Berdychiv
One of the central moments of the visit took place in Berdychiv, where more than 3,000 pilgrims gathered at the Shrine of Mount Carmel to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the restoration of the Latin Rite Catholic Church’s structures in Ukraine.
Families, children, young people, elderly pilgrims, and vulnerable members of society attended the outdoor celebration, the first of its kind at the shrine since the war began. Despite heavy rain before the ceremony, conditions improved and sunshine emerged as the Mass progressed.
Berdychiv, home to one of Ukraine’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites, welcomed Archbishop Gallagher alongside Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas. Representatives of government authorities, diplomats, bishops, and pilgrims from across Ukraine were also present.
The Mass included Ukrainian hymns, floral arrangements featuring sunflowers and the national colors, and a procession led by the revered icon of Our Lady of Berdychiv. The celebration brought together both Latin-rite and Eastern-rite Catholics, including Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Marking Historical Anniversaries
The anniversary celebration carried additional significance as preparations continue for commemorations marking 25 years since the historic visit of Saint John Paul II to Ukraine.
Addressing pilgrims, Archbishop Gallagher emphasized that his mission allowed him to unite with Ukrainians in prayer, especially those who are sick, suffering, displaced, or grieving losses caused by the war.
At the beginning of the liturgy, he entrusted Ukraine’s future to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, praying before the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Berdychiv for peace and justice.
Peace Amid Renewed Violence
The Archbishop’s appeal for peace came against the backdrop of renewed violence in the Ukrainian capital.
During the night preceding the Berdychiv celebration, Kyiv experienced what many described as one of the most intense bombardments since the conflict began. Authorities reported that one person was killed and more than ten others were injured after missile and drone attacks struck several districts of the city.
Some of the missiles and drones also impacted the neighborhood where the Apostolic Nunciature is located. The explosions reportedly shook the building where Archbishop Gallagher and members of his delegation were staying, forcing staff and residents to seek shelter.
The attacks underscored the urgency of Gallagher’s repeated calls for peace and his insistence that Ukraine remains in need of international solidarity and prayer.
A Message of Hope and Perseverance
During his homily in Berdychiv, Archbishop Gallagher drew on the biblical story of the Prophet Elijah, highlighting the importance of perseverance in prayer.
He reflected on Elijah’s repeated appeals to God before receiving the sign of rain after a prolonged drought, describing the account as a reminder that hope must not be abandoned even amid profound suffering.
The Archbishop said peace remains, above all, a gift from God and urged the faithful not to surrender to despair. He encouraged Ukrainians to maintain faith, continue righteous actions, and persevere in prayer despite the hardships of war.
Much of his message focused on the role of the Virgin Mary as a source of comfort and intercession. He urged believers to place their trust in God and resist discouragement, emphasizing that neither conflict nor death can diminish human dignity in the eyes of God.
“No one can diminish our dignity in the eyes of God, not even the demon of war that attacks us,” he said, encouraging worshippers not to allow grief and suffering to extinguish hope.
Religious Communities Seek a Just Peace
On Saturday evening, Archbishop Gallagher met representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, a body representing Ukraine’s diverse faith communities.
Council members described the enormous challenges facing both religious communities and the wider population. They acknowledged growing exhaustion among citizens due to the prolonged conflict while reaffirming their collective desire for a just peace.
Representatives also praised the cooperation that has developed among Christian Churches and other religious groups during the war, highlighting joint humanitarian efforts and mutual support.
The council expressed gratitude to the Holy See and Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Kulbokas for their continuing humanitarian concern and diplomatic engagement. Participants stressed the importance of sustained spiritual solidarity, prayer, and international efforts to help end the conflict.
Recognition of Churches’ Social Role
Among the issues discussed was the recent exemption of ordained ministers from military conscription.
Council members described the measure as an acknowledgment by Ukrainian authorities of the essential pastoral and social services provided by Churches during wartime. Archbishop Gallagher welcomed the development and noted the importance of constructive cooperation between religious institutions and public authorities during a national crisis.
Expressions of Unity
At the conclusion of the Berdychiv pilgrimage, young participants presented Archbishop Gallagher with flowers and a wooden image of Our Lady of Berdychiv, expressing gratitude for Pope Leo XIV’s support.
“The Pope’s closeness brings us joy,” they told the Archbishop. “With you here, we feel that the Church is one united community.”
Their words reflected a recurring theme throughout the visit: the desire of Ukrainian Catholics and other faith communities to remain united in faith, prayer, and hope while continuing to seek a peaceful future.
As Archbishop Gallagher departed Ukraine, his mission left behind a message centered on solidarity, perseverance, interreligious cooperation, and the enduring hope that a just and lasting peace can eventually be achieved.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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