Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Meets with Pope Leo XIV
His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The meeting took place in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, where the Major Archbishop personally handed the Pope lists containing the names of Ukrainian prisoners of war and missing persons. These lists were compiled directly from information provided by the families of the captives.
This marked the second private audience between the head of the UGCC and Pope Leo XIV since the pontiff's election, with the first having occurred during the initial week of his papacy. The meeting also covered UGCC initiatives, including the coordination of humanitarian aid from the Vatican to Ukraine. This aid package consisted of:
- three truckloads of medicine and food,
- 80 electrical generators.
Pope's Appeal for an Olympic Truce
Furthermore, Pope Leo XIV called upon nations engaged in armed conflict to declare a ceasefire for the duration of the 2026 Winter Olympics, which are scheduled to be held in Italy. This appeal underscores the Vatican's ongoing diplomatic efforts to promote peace during major global events.
The audience between Major Archbishop Sviatoslav and the Pope represents a significant step in the Church's support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war. The handover of the prisoner lists highlights the active role religious institutions are playing in addressing humanitarian crises. The Pope's call for an Olympic truce reflects broader international solidarity and attempts to find pathways toward de-escalation in conflict zones.