Pope Francis held an audience with pilgrims from the Ukrainian Eparchy of Mukachevo. They are celebrating 30 years of freedom from Soviet rule.
The pope honored the countless martyrs of Mukachevo, who gave their lives for the faith when the Church was forced underground. He recalled in a special way Bl. Teodor Romža, a bishop tragically martyred in 1947.
POPE FRANCIS
“He was a tireless man who followed the example of Christ the Good Shepherd, to the point of giving his life for his sheep.”
Pope Francis then remembered the ancestors of the pilgrims present. The pope honored them for having taught the truth of Christ despite the risks under the hostile Soviet regime.
POPE FRANCIS
“They have offered to future generations, of which you are a part, an eloquent testimony of a steadfast faith, a living faith, a Catholic faith.”
Clearly moved, the crowd stood and applauded as the pope put on a stole with the Byzantine images of Jesus and Mary. The meeting concluded with a papal blessing.
