November 25, 2013. (Romereports.com) More than 3,000 pilgrims from the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church welcomed Pope Francis, amid applause at St. Peter’s Basilica. The ceremony took place to mark the 50th anniversary since the relics of Ukrainian martyr St. Josaphat were transferred to the Basilica.
“Blessed Father. Beloved by all Ukrainians, Pope Francis!”
The enthusiasm from the major archbishop for the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, was evident as he greeted Pope Francis in the Pope’s native language.
Along with the much larger Ukrainian group, a smaller Greek-Catholic delegation from Belarus attended. The Pope spoke about how St. Josaphat is an example of the communion of saints.
Pope calls on Ukrainian Greek-Catholics to build bridges with other Churches