Ukrainian Cardinal Comments on His Participation in the Papal Election

Cardinal Mykola Bychok, a representative of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church currently serving in Australia, will be one of 135 cardinals participating in the conclave to elect a new Pope. He is also considered one of the potential candidates for the position, although he avoids discussing that possibility. This was reported by TSN.

Bychok was appointed cardinal less than six months ago in the Vatican. Over the course of his ministry, he has served in Poland, the United States, and Australia. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, he has visited combat zones.

In a comment to a TSN journalist, he stated that he will approach the conclave with prayers for Ukraine: “I will continue to pray for Ukraine, for our soldiers, thanks to whom Ukraine exists today. I dream that the war will end,” he said.

The cardinal added that he does not focus on the possibility of being elected Pope, emphasizing that he views the role as extremely demanding and full of responsibility.

As a reminder, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople has stated that he is praying for the election of a worthy successor to Pope Francis. The head of the Phanar expressed hope for continued fruitful ecumenical dialogue with the next Pope in pursuit of unity between Orthodoxy and Catholicism.