Ukrainian-born Cardinal Mykola Bychok, Bishop of the Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul of Melbourne, Australia, presented Pope Leo XIV with a flag and cross that belonged to a Ukrainian soldier during the General Audience on June 24. The Cardinal said the gifts were meant to bring the suffering of the Ukrainian people to the Pope amid the ongoing war.Cardinal Bychok is in Rome for the Extraordinary Consistory, held at the Vatican from June 26–29.
Speaking to Vatican News, he described the moment as “a great opportunity” to pray with the Pope and reflect on the Word of God before approaching him at the end of the Audience.The flag and cross belonged to a Ukrainian soldier who is now a veteran after spending three years at war. The veteran had asked another former soldier to pass the items to the Holy Father. Cardinal Bychok received them from a Ukrainian priest in February. When the Cardinal landed in Rome from Melbourne, the priest told him he still had the flag and cross. “It was a great sign of God because I was planning to participate in the Pope’s General Audience,” Cardinal Bychok said.
He gave the Pope greetings from both Australia and Ukraine and expressed gratitude for his support of Ukraine during the war. He spoke of the wounded and deeply traumatized Ukrainian people, especially soldiers, veterans, those missing in action, and those in captivity. Through the gesture, Cardinal Bychok emphasized that Ukraine is not alone, and that the Church and the Pope stand with its people.The Cardinal also noted his hopes for the Extraordinary Consistory, where the Ukrainian Church can contribute to discussions on peace.