In a heartfelt tribute, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, describing him as a devoted servant of God and a sincere advocate for Ukraine.
“With heartfelt sorrow, I received today’s news of the passing of Pope Francis,” wrote the Metropolitan, emphasizing that “as head of the Roman Catholic Church, he dedicated his life to serving God and spreading the Christian faith,” while launching numerous humanitarian initiatives “to help those in need.”
Metropolitan Epifaniy recalled Pope Francis’ “sincere concern for the fate of Ukrainians suffering from Russian aggression,” particularly his “efforts and personal support” for the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and the return of children deported by Russian authorities. “The late pontiff, in accordance with his convictions, sought to help Ukrainians achieve peace and always called for prayer for this.”
Just a day before his passing, “in his Easter message, the Pope again mentioned ‘Ukraine, torn by war,’ expressing hope for a just and lasting peace in our country, by the will of God.”
Epifaniy assured that “his efforts and prayers will not be in vain, but will live on in the hearts of his flock.” He offered condolences to all Catholics and the Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic Churches in Ukraine, “who lost their leader,” and to all those who honored the late Pope.
In closing, he prayed: “May the Lord rest the soul of Pope Francis in His dwellings, and have mercy and save us, for He is Good and the Lover of mankind.”
