“The faith of your people is now put to the test,” said Pope Leo XIV by welcoming the faithful of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, which came to the tomb of the apostle Peter on the occasion of the jubilee year. Accompanied by the major archbishop of Kyiv-Halyč Shevchuk. “Many of you, since the war began, surely asked themselves:” Lord, why all this? Where are you? What should we do to save our families, our homes and our homeland? ” Believing does not mean having all the answers, but confiding that God is with us and gives us his grace, that he will pronounce the last word and life will win against death ».
“The Virgin Mary, continued the Pope,” so dear to the Ukrainian people, who with his humble and courageous “yes” has opened the door to the redemption of the world, assures us that our “yes”, simple and sincere, can become an instrument in the hands of God to make something great. Confirmed in faith by Peter’s successor, I urge you to share it with your loved ones, with your compatriots and with all those who will make you meet. Saying “yes” today can allow you to open new horizons of faith, hope and peace, especially to everyone are in pain. Sisters and brothers, welcoming you here, I would like to express my closeness to the battered Ukrainian, children, young people, the elderly and, in particular, to the families who cry their loved ones. I share your pain for prisoners and victims of this senseless war. I entrust your intentions, your labors and daily tragedies to the Lord and, above all, the wishes of peace and serenity. I encourage you to walk together, shepherds and faithful, keeping your gaze fixed on Jesus, our salvation. Guides you and keep you the Virgin Mary, who for her union to the passion of the son is the mother of hope ».
