Pope Leo XIV welcomed pilgrims of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church on Saturday, marking their Jubilee year pilgrimage to the tomb of the Apostle Peter.
Newsroom, June 30, 2025, – In a heartfelt address delivered in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV welcomed pilgrims of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church on Saturday, marking their Jubilee year pilgrimage to the tomb of the Apostle Peter. The Holy Father extended warm greetings to His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, Major Archbishop of Kyiv-Halyč, alongside bishops, priests, consecrated religious, and lay faithful, commending their journey as a testament to faith and hope amid adversity.
“Your pilgrimage is a sign of the desire to renew the faith, to strengthen the bond and the communion with the Bishop of Rome, and to bear witness to the hope that does not disappoint,” Pope Leo XIV declared, invoking Romans 5:5 to underscore the enduring love of Christ poured into hearts through the Holy Spirit. He framed the Jubilee as a call to become “pilgrims of hope,” navigating life’s challenges with a focus on eternity, where, as Revelation 21:4 promises, God will “wipe every tear” and end all suffering.
The pontiff acknowledged the profound trials faced by the Ukrainian people, particularly since the large-scale invasion of their homeland. He recognized the questions that weigh heavily on their hearts: “Lord, why all this? Where are you? What must we do to save our families, our homes, and our homeland?” While affirming that faith does not provide all answers, Pope Leo XIV emphasized trust in God’s presence and grace, assuring the pilgrims that “life will conquer death.”
Drawing inspiration from the Virgin Mary’s humble and courageous “yes” to God’s will, the Holy Father urged the faithful to emulate her example, noting that their own affirmations of faith can become instruments of God’s work. “Confirmed in faith by the Successor of Peter, I urge you to share it with your loved ones, your compatriots, and all those whom the Lord will lead you to meet,” he said, encouraging acts of faith to foster hope and peace for those suffering.
Expressing solidarity with Ukraine, Pope Leo XIV voiced his closeness to its people, particularly children, youth, the elderly, and families mourning loved ones lost to the “senseless war.” He entrusted their hardships, tragedies, and aspirations for peace to God, calling for unity among pastors and faithful to keep their focus on Jesus as the source of salvation.
The address concluded with a blessing for the pilgrims, their families, and the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, invoking the protection of the Virgin Mary, revered as the Mother of Hope. “I bless all of you, your families, your Church, and your people, from my heart,” the Pope said, expressing gratitude for their witness and resilience.
- Raju Hamukh with files from vatican.va
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