Pope Leo XIV's Ambassador on Historic Mission in Ukraine Notes Resilience of a People “willing to suffer for freedom and peace.”
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Archbishop Gallagher: Ukraine’s Resilience Inspires Hope Amid Widespread Suffering
Concluding a six-day mission to Ukraine, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher—the Holy See's Secretary for Relations with States—reflected on the extraordinary resilience of a people “willing to suffer for freedom and peace.”
Traveling nearly 900 kilometers by road from Kyiv to Kraków, Archbishop Gallagher participated in key pastoral, institutional, and political engagements across the country. The trip coincided with the 35th anniversary of the restoration of the Latin Catholic Church’s structures, culminating in a major celebration at the Marian Shrine of Berdychiv on Sunday, July 19.
Serving as Pope Leo XIV’s Special Envoy, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher joined over 3,000 faithful at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Berdychiv on July 19 to pray for an end to the war in Ukraine.
The outdoor Mass—the first held at the shrine since the conflict began—marked the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Latin-rite Catholic structures in Ukraine and commemorated 25 years since Saint John Paul II’s historic 2001 visit.
On his final day in Kyiv, Archbishop Gallagher met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and acting Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha. During discussions with Ukrainian leadership, the Holy See reaffirmed its solidarity with the Ukrainian people and expressed hopes for a just, lasting peace.
Key Highlights from the Mission:
Pastoral Closeness: Sent on behalf of the Vatican, Gallagher joined thousands of faithful who gathered outdoors at Berdychiv for the first time in years. He noted that despite exhaustion and grief, the Ukrainian people demonstrate a profound, sustaining faith and a desire to return to normal life.
Diplomatic & Political Meetings: Gallagher met with Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the acting Foreign Minister. Ukrainian authorities expressed deep gratitude for the Holy See's ongoing humanitarian support and diplomatic closeness.
Humanitarian Commitment: The Holy See reaffirmed its dedication to facilitating peace, advocating through international channels, and continuing humanitarian missions—such as Cardinal Matteo Zuppi’s efforts to return prisoners, civilians, and displaced children.
A Prospective Papal Visit: Addressing frequent questions regarding a papal visit to Ukraine, Gallagher stated that the Holy Father takes the invitation very seriously, and the Vatican continues to evaluate conditions to ensure a visit yields maximum fruit for peace.
Witnessing the Destruction: Reflecting on visits to bombed residential sites in Kyiv, Gallagher shared how deeply moved he was by meeting people who lost everything: "When you see people who have lost everything... and yet still see a quiet hope for better days in their eyes, those are images that stay with you forever."
Archbishop Gallagher Visits Bomb-Damaged Kyiv Sites, Urges Perseverance and Peace
Conveying the ongoing support of Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Gallagher commended local faith communities for their resilience:
St. Nicholas Church: After suffering severe damage from a December 2024 missile strike, the church is being restored and was recently returned to the Latin Catholic community. Parishioners presented the Archbishop with sunflowers and a Holy Family icon that survived a recent air raid.
Bratstva Tarasivtsiv Street Memorial: The delegation visited a strike site where a May 14 attack killed 24 civilians, including three children. The Archbishop met with rescue teams and UNHCR officials assisting traumatized survivors.
St. Thomas Aquinas Dominican Institute: Gallagher inspected damage caused by recent drone strikes near the Catholic educational center and met with local Dominican leaders.
Kyiv Pechersk Lavra: The visit concluded at Ukraine’s historic UNESCO-listed Orthodox monastery, which recently repaired roof damage sustained during a June attack.
Throughout the tour, Archbishop Gallagher praised Ukrainians' unwavering faith and reassured them that the Holy See prays daily for peace in their nation.
Honouring the Fallen
As part of his itinerary in the capital, the Archbishop visited the Maidan memorial in Independence Square. He laid a bouquet of roses to honour those who lost their lives during the 2013–2014 Revolution of Dignity—when citizens demonstrated for political reform and closer European ties—as well as those killed in the ongoing war.
Pastoral Engagements and Anniversary Celebrations
Ecumenical & Humanitarian Outreach: Throughout the week, he met with local bishops, clergy, and religious communities, visited the Greek Catholic Cathedral of the Resurrection in Kyiv, and participated in discussions focused on humanitarian relief efforts.
Dialogue with Faith Leaders
On Saturday evening, Archbishop Gallagher met with the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (AUCCRO). Council members outlined the exhaustion and heavy burdens facing citizens, while reaffirming their shared desire for peace and praising the strong cooperation among Ukraine’s diverse faith communities.
The Council expressed gratitude to the Holy See and the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, for their ongoing diplomatic and spiritual support.
Key Religious Exemption Noted
During the meeting, the Council highlighted Ukraine's recent decision to exempt ordained ministers from military conscription, citing it as an important recognition of the essential pastoral and social support churches provide. Archbishop Gallagher welcomed the policy, noting the critical value of church-state cooperation, particularly during times of war.
Sources - Combined Vatican News Reports - https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-07/gallagher-in-berdychiv-prayer-peace-our-lady-of-mount-carmel.html - https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-07/archbishop-gallagher-papal-envoy-ukraine-anniversary-appeal-peac.html - https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-07/archbishop-gallagher-ukraine-papal-envoy-maidan-meetings.html
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