Zelensky tells the pontiff Ukrainians anticipate canonization of Sheptytsky

Vladimir Zelensky and Pope Francis. Photo: twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa

President Vladimir Zelensky said in his telephone conversation with Pope Francis that the Ukrainian people are awaiting the beatification of Metropolitan Sheptytsky, who headed the UGCC from 1901 to 1944, the President's Office reports on its official website.

The President of Ukraine noted the global dimension of His Holiness's activity, in particular, attention to the issues of peace, interreligious dialogue, protection of the rights of refugees, care for the poor. He also believes that “in the hearts of millions of Ukrainians there is a bright memory” of John Paul II and his “fateful visit” to Ukraine in 2001. “The Head of State noted that the Ukrainian people are waiting for the beatification of Metropolitan Sheptytsky,” the OP reports.

Andriy Sheptytsky, head of the UGCC from 1901 to 1944, who is often called the spiritual leader and spiritual authority of the Ukrainian people, during World War II greeted the fascist regime and wished victory to Adolf Hitler. In 1941, he sent a congratulatory greeting to Hitler, whom he called an "invincible commander", on the occasion of the capture of Kyiv by the "incomparable and victorious German army" and blessed the "Ukrainian state, allied to Great Germany" – “Act of Proclamation of the Ukrainian State”, created by the commander-in-chief of the OUN-UPA Roman Shukhevych in Lviv."

As reported by the UOJ, the Ukrainian prosecutor quoted Sheptytsky's letter praising the Nazis.

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