22-04-2025
Ukrainian-born Melbourne cardinal Bishop Mykola Bychok to help choose the next pontiff after Pope Francis' death
A 45-year-old Melbourne-based cardinal will be among the world's highest-ranking bishops and clergy determining the next pontiff.
Mykola Bychock, who was surprised to be appointed cardinal by Pope Francis, has had a rapid rise through the church's hierarchy as he fought for the freedoms of his native Ukraine.
From a humble Ukrainian congregation in South Melbourne, the bishop has travelled to the centre of the church's decision making at the papal conclave in Vatican City.
Bishop Bychock takes the views of Australia, and those of his native Ukraine, to the Holy See.
Installed a cardinal by Pope Francis in December, Bychock said Francis spoke Ukranian to him, saying 'glory be to Jesus Christ' in his native language.
When his appointment was celebrated at his home church two months later, Bishop Bychock couldn't help but explain the gravity of his appointment.
'As the Holy Father Pope Francis often reminds us, we have a God of surprises,' he told the congregation.
'God also surprises us by allowing us to deal with the situations that arise in our lives.
'It was unimaginable a few months ago that I would be standing before you as a cardinal of the holy church with all the responsibilities that this high office brings.'
Cardinal Mykola was born and raised in Ternopil in western Ukraine.
He was ordained as a priest in 2005 after studying in Ukraine and Poland.
Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko told Sky News the bishop's appointment by Pope Francis was groundbreaking.
'It was unprecedented not only for the Australian Ukrainian community, it was unprecedented for the all Ukrainian Catholics,' the ambassador said.
'Also, it was unprecedented for Australia, because he is the eighth Cardinal in Australia.'
The cardinal has previously spoken out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"(The Ukrainian people) are under attack every day, day-by-day," he told the ABC.
"It is really a genocide of our people because Russia is in war mode, with army, with soldiers, and they are killing our people."
Sky News understands the bishop began his travel to the Holy See for a pre-arranged pilgrimage organised well before the official announcement of the Pontiff's death.
In a written statement issued following the pontiff's death, the cardinal said Pope Francis was "a Pope for the marginalised and those on the periphery'.
"He was a man of simple piety who strove to bring the church closer to people. His gave freely of his gifts and had a unique personal approach to all he met,' he said.
Melbourne Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli paid tribute to the cardinal.
'He's a man of a great faith and a man of seriousness,' he said.
'He loves to smile though, so I should say that too, but he will be taking this time seriously. 

'He's in the Holy Land at this precise moment, he left on the day, yesterday, the day the Holy Father died,' Archbishop Comensoli told reporters outside mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in East Melbourne.
With an eye to the coming weeks, the Bishop encouraged prayers for the conclave.
"I also ask for your prayers for the Cardinal Electors that will be meeting in Conclave, that the Holy Spirit may enlighten our hearts and minds that we may choose a worthy candidate as the 267th Bishop of Rome and Successor of Saint Peter," he said.
And as Easter concludes, the Australian Ukranian cardinal will have his vote and voice heard in conclave.
'So suddenly he's bringing a lot of that youth perspective to the conclave,' Vasyl Myroshnychenko told Sky News.
'It would be quite fascinating to see a contribution from a cardinal representing both Ukraine and Australia.'
It's half a world away from his parish in humble South Melbourne.
