The Lviv region is initiating an official appeal to the President of Ukraine with a proposal to invite the Pope for an apostolic visit. This event should be a symbolic continuation of the spiritual dialogue initiated a quarter of a century ago.

The relevant decision was adopted today, June 24, during the celebrations in the session hall of the Lviv Regional Council, which were dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the historic pastoral visit of Saint John Paul II to Ukraine.

A new visit as a symbol of support during wartime

As reported by the organizers, following the solemn gathering, the participants supported the appeal to the President of Ukraine. The document proposes inviting Pope Leo XIV for an apostolic visit to our country.

"This visit would be a symbolic continuation of the spiritual tradition initiated by the historic journey of Saint Pope John Paul II in 2001, and would attest to the unwavering support of the Ukrainian people from the Holy See in the conditions of the ongoing war," the text of the appeal reads.

"It was a moral event that shaped our strength"

The event brought together clergy of various denominations, national and regional deputies, scientists, artists, and public figures. Those present recalled how, a quarter of a century ago, the Pontiff's visit changed Ukraine's perception in the world and gave a powerful impetus to interdenominational dialogue.

The manager of affairs of the Lviv Regional Council, Yaroslav Gasyak, emphasized that the visit of Pope John Paul II in the early 2000s was not just a dry chronicle:

"It was a moral event that shaped our strength. We remember what Ukraine was like in the early 2000s. Perhaps this visit became a signal to the whole world that Ukraine was morally ready to be a partner for all civilized states. The words spoken by Pope John Paul II have an absolutely identical meaning 25 years later. Today we talk about freedom, we talk about our will."

Participants of the meeting also discussed in detail the spiritual and diplomatic mission of the Vatican, the ecumenical dialogue between Christian churches, and the role of culture in spreading common values.

Read also: Lviv canceled an exclusive stamp dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit.

We remind you that for the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit in Lviv prepared nearly a hundred spiritual, educational, cultural, and youth events.