“Peace in the world will only come when people have peace in their hearts,

a true peace that comes from the love of Christ.”

This is an interview that our confrere

Cardinal-Elect Mykola Bychok CSsR (aged 44 years old)

gave to L'Osservatore Romano

"In a wide-ranging interview with Vatican Media,

Cardinal-elect Mykola Bychok, CSsR,

Bishop of the Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul of Melbourne

for Ukrainian Catholics in Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania,

expressed this belief, as he highlighted the role of the Church in working toward peace amid the wars worldwide, especially in his native Ukraine. During the conversation, the Ukrainian-born future Cardinal discussed his own spirituality, models of faith, and responsibility at this time of war. “The Church must be proactive in being a mediator of a just peace, not just in Ukraine but in the Middle East and other parts of the world that are experiencing war and conflict,” he insisted. Cardinal-elect Bychok also reflected on how past Ukrainian Cardinals have inspired him, what he believes should be the Church’s greatest priorities, and what his pastoral concerns are serving his faithful throughout Oceania. At the Sunday Angelus address on 6 October, Pope Francis named him as one of the new Cardinals, making him the youngest member of the College of Cardinals at age 44. The following is a transcript of the conversation.

Cardinal-elect Bychok, how did you receive the news that Pope Francis had named you Cardinal, and how do you see your responsibility at this time of war?

I received this news when visiting our parish in Brisbane. It happened during dinner when my phone was turned off. When I turned my phone back on, a flood of messages came through. To be honest, at first I thought that it was a joke. It has taken some time to begin sinking in.

I understand how much responsibility this appointment entrusts to me, responsibility for the life and future of our entire Church. Knowing the difficult times that our Ukrainian people are going through because of war, I will continue to inform the Catholic world about what is happening in our land and constantly remind them of Ukraine.

What experience in your past or present has prepared you best for this role of being an advisor to the Holy Father?

I was not ready for this nomination at all. I will say more. I was not ready to be a Bishop during the time of formation in seminary. We were not prepared to be Bishops or Cardinals. A Cardinal in the Catholic Church is an honorary appointment at service to the Holy Father, the Pope. It is an advisory role that requires me to be attentive to the needs of the Church in the world today.

Currently, I do not know what the role or responsibility that the Pope has entrusted to me and put on my shoulders, but I know that there will be a great opportunity to have direct contact with Pope. I would like to quote here, His Beatitude Sviatoslav [Shevchuk] [head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church], that we will speak with one heart and one mouth to Pope Francis, to the Catholic Church, in the world, and to the world community.

Read more: Interview with Cardinal-elect Mykola Bychok, CSsR