"May God bless Ukraine with peace!": Pope Francis meets with representatives of Ukrainian churches

This was reported by the press service of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

The head of the delegation, Bishop of the Ukrainian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Markos Hovhannisyan thanked Pope Francis for the meeting on behalf of the Council.

"We remember a warm meeting with Saint Pope John Paul II in Kyiv in 2001, so we are especially pleased to see the continuation of this interreligious and interconfessional dialogue today in the Apostolic capital," he said.

He continued, “This opportunity is extremely important to us: to share the feeling of pain and suffering that our people are experiencing at the moment fighting against the Russian aggressor, but also to share the examples of strong solidarity and desperate heroism of our fellow citizens and soldiers who practically embody the Lord's commandment: "Love thy neighbor as thyself", devoting their souls and sacrificing material comforts to save Ukraine and its people from destruction.

Bishop Markos expressed his conviction that the voice of the Church and religious communities of various denominations should be well heard all over the world: they should stand together for the principles and norms of international law and fundamental human rights and make sure they are adhered to.

"And we sincerely believe that our joint sermon aimed against the vile Russian aggression, aimed at defending the affected Ukrainian people, will be heard! And we sincerely hope to welcome you in Kyiv under a peaceful sky in our free and independent democratic Ukraine!" stressed the head of the delegation. 

Bishop Markos presented Pope Francis with a children's drawing that symbolizes love for Ukraine. Also, the Pontiff was given a small copy of the sculpture of Archstrategist Michael from the Saint Volodymyr Hill Park in Kyiv.

Pope Francis replied that he was grateful to God that this meeting allowed him to get in contact with the Ukrainian people who have been constantly present in his prayers over the last months. He also appreciated the fact that religious organizations in Ukraine work together to help people and achieve peace. 

"Your work, persevering and courageous, brings closer the peaceful tomorrow, in which the economic and political interests encouraging war will finally give way to the common good for people. Every day I pray for this. I pray with you and for you, dear brothers, for your people, for the beloved Ukrainian people. May God bless them with the gift of peace!"