Shevchuk: The UGCC’s task is to convince Ukrainians that the Pope is for us
The UGCC is thinking about how to convince Ukrainians that the Pope is for them. Photo: Vatican News
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), Sviatoslav Shevchuk, stated in an interview with the Polish publication eKai that trust in the Pope has been undermined in Ukraine, while the task of his church is to restore it.
According to him, Pope Francis assured UGCC bishops that he stands with Ukraine. Shevchuk emphasized that their task now is to persuade Ukrainian citizens of this message and convey it effectively.
Responding to the statement by the spokesperson of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Mykhailo Podolyak, that the Pope is "pro-Russian", Shevchuk referred to the opinion of Ukraine's ambassador to the Vatican, Andriy Yurash, who considers Podolyak's position to be "his personal opinion" and not the position of the Ukrainian government.
Shevchuk is convinced that through the Pope, Ukraine may garnish global support from the international community, which is crucial for the country's survival.
While assuring journalists of the unconditional unity with the pope, Shevchuk stated that Catholicism in Ukraine is a "survival force" for their nation.
At the same time, the head of the UGCC acknowledged that the "public image of the Pope in Ukraine is shattered" and that this is a real problem for the Catholic Church in Ukraine.
Previously, it was reported that the Office of the President of Ukraine excluded the Vatican from mediating with Russia due to the pontiff's pro-Russian position.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.