The Ukrainian bishops held several meetings with Vatican representatives during their stay in Rome for the Synod of the Greek Catholic Church. One of these meetings was with the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
During his speech, Cardinal Parolin announced that a meeting will be held between the Greek-Catholic and Latin Churches. Some experts will be present at the meeting to analyze questions about the war and its origin. One of the objectives is to increase dialogue between the two Churches.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
This was also one of the topics that we discussed in depth and dialogued about: a more continuous and deeper communication between Rome and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Then, to find ways, which we have already identified some, to make a continuous dialogue so that the people know that both the Church of Rome and the Pope are close to the Ukrainian Catholic Church and to Ukraine in this tragic situation.
Cardinal Parolin told the Ukrainian bishops that they are not alone and they have the support of the Vatican and Pope Francis. He also highlighted the continuous public appeals of the Pope since the beginning of the war, such as this one, in the first Angelus after the outbreak of the conflict.
POPE FRANCIS
I repeat: stop the weapons! God is with the operators of peace, not with those who use violence.
Cardinal Parolin also spoke about the exchange of prisoners, the return of Ukrainian children from Russia and the humanitarian aid that the Vatican has been sending to the country.
The Ukrainian bishops also met with Cardinal Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity. In his speech, he pointed out that “the consequences of the war are still unpredictable” and that “it will take time for the wounds of the body and soul of so many people to heal.”
Another Vatican official who passed through was the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti. He was the apostolic nuncio to Ukraine for five years and expressed the importance of listening to the testimonies of the bishops living there.
ABP. CLAUDIO GUGEROTTI
Prefect, Dicastery for the Oriental Churches
The desire is to express so much closeness and affection in this moment of pain and suffering and it will require a great sacrifice. It will also take a great effort to try to prevent the loss of dignity of people whose lives have been torn apart. The other thing is to listen to the bishops' testimonies. This is very important for me.
During the Synod, the Ukrainian bishops will deal with different topics, most of them related to the war that rages on over a year and a half later. The motto of this year's assembly: “The pastoral care of the victims of war.”
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TR: AT
