Pope indicates support for Ukrainian patriarchate, cardinal says

Published: 2004-06-03

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II indicated support for establishment of a Ukrainian Catholic patriarchate, but said the views of other Christian churches must be taken into consideration before such a step is taken. Meeting June 3 with members of the permanent synod of Ukrainian bishops, the pope called for patience. "I share your desire for full juridical-ecclesial status, which is also well-grounded on canonical and conciliar teaching," he said. The group, which included the head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Cardinal Lubomyr Husar of Lviv, and Ukrainian metropolitans, came to Rome to work on preparing for its synod in October. Cardinal Husar said the pope was clearly referring to the long-standing request for Vatican recognition of a Ukrainian patriarchate. The pope said in his address, "I share with you in prayer and suffering, waiting for that day that will be decided by God upon which I will be able to confirm ... the ripe fruit of your ecclesial development."

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