The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has its own history, liturgy, and culture. The Vatican hopes that the new Pope will work more closely with the UGCC. Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador) to Ukraine, Visvaldas Kulbokas, stated this in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.

“Pope Francis has had a profound personal experience with the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. I hope that his cooperation with His Beatitude Sviatoslav and other bishops of the UGCC will grow even closer,” he said. The Vatican Ambassador emphasized that both Greek Catholic and Roman Catholic bishops in Ukraine are deeply connected to their communities, history, and the memories of persecution, including the Holodomor. This understanding enables them to explain and convey the emotions surrounding issues related to Ukraine effectively.

“This is a more global issue, as the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has its own unique history, liturgy, and culture. Here in Ukraine, the Church represents more than just faith; it embodies the experience of engaging with the people, and the relationship between priests and authorities, as well as between priests and laity. This is a very distinctive experience, and I believe there is immense potential.”

Visvaldas Kulbokas also mentioned that he feels “privileged” to serve in Ukraine, where he has gained experience communicating with both Greek Catholics and Roman Catholic Ukrainians. “To combine these two aspects is a great grace,” he emphasized. (Quelle: www.risu.ua, 15. Mai 2025)