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Herald Malaysia
2 days ago
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
U.S.-Russia summit ignored key moral questions in Ukraine war, archbishop says
At the United States-Russia summit, leaders failed to face 'the fundamental moral and geopolitical questions' regarding the war in Ukraine, said Archbishop Borys Gudziak, adding that 'until they do Ukrainians will be paying the ultimate price.' Aug 19, 2025 Archbishop Borys Gudziak. | Credit: Screenshot from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops By Tessa Gervasini At the United States-Russia summit, leaders failed to face 'the fundamental moral and geopolitical questions' regarding the war in Ukraine, said Archbishop Borys Gudziak, adding that 'until they do Ukrainians will be paying the ultimate price.' On Aug. 15, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. While the leaders described the meeting as 'constructive,' it ended without a resolution. The following day, Gudziak, who serves as the metropolitan archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, released a 'blunt' statement on the controversial summit. 'A genocidal war criminal — who speaks explicitly about his aggressive intentions to re-conquer the countries that freed themselves from the atheistic Soviet yoke — was welcomed on American territory and given red carpet treatment,' Gudziak said in his statement. 'The desultory discussions did not lead to a single concession on the part of the aggressor,' Gudziak wrote. 'Having ordered another barrage of deadly bombings on the day of the summit he was allowed to stand together with the president of the United States before a press conference backdrop 'Pursuing Peace.'' He added: 'The worst did not happen, those standing for freedom and the innocent citizens of Ukraine were not sold out — but the cause of freedom, justice, and peace was not advanced.' Gudziak ended his statement with a spiritual reflection. 'There is a great illusion that the mighty of this world determine history, decide our fate. They do indeed have an impact, more often than not negative,' Gudziak said. 'But the truth is that we are in the Lord's hands and his truth will prevail.' 'And as David stands against Goliath, we've seen one miracle after another. And that miracle is the life, resilience, and solidarity of the little ones who are willing to risk everything for the truth — the truth of human dignity, the truth of God-given freedom, and the truth that evil will not prevail.' Prior to the meeting, Trump told Fox News: 'I won't be happy if I walk away without some form of a ceasefire.' But following the summit, Trump changed his mind after speaking with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine and other European leaders. He wrote in a post to Truth Social: 'It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a peace agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere ceasefire agreement, which oftentimes do not hold up.' Trump is scheduled to further discuss the matter with Zelenskyy on Aug. 18 at the White House.--CNA
Herald Malaysia
14-07-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Archbishop Gudziak: Walking the Way of the Cross with Ukraine
Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, Archbishop of Philadelphia of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, talks about how the Church continues to walk alongside suffering Ukrainians, providing pastoral care, humanitarian support, and a witness of faith in the midst of war. Jul 14, 2025 Aftermath of overnight combined Russian strikes on Ukraine (ANSA) By Linda Bordoni & Devin WatkinsAs Ukraine endures relentless bombardments and the trauma of prolonged war, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church remains a steadfast presence alongside its people, both at home and abroad. Speaking to Vatican News, Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia for Ukrainian Catholics in the United States highlights the challenges and hopes facing the Church in a time of great suffering. "The bishops can't do much in one sense," he says, "but in fact, they can do a lot. They stay with the people." And this, he explains, is what matters most when a community is in pain: "Nothing is more important when you're suffering than to have solidarity." Archbishop Gudziak describes a nation profoundly affected by displacement. Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, nearly 14 million Ukrainians have fled their homes. While some have returned, many remain internally displaced or have settled abroad with no homes left to return to. In this context, he continues, the Church plays a vital role, not only spiritually, but also socially. "We try to pray with and for the people, to explain what is happening, to accompany victims along the way of the cross," he says. "Everyone knows someone who's been killed, someone who's a refugee. It's a universal experience." Through its network of clergy and religious, the Church, Archbishop Gudziak explains, is providing shelter, food, clothing, psychological support, and medical care. Priests are even being trained to recognize and respond to post-traumatic stress disorder, with over 10 million people expected to be affected in the coming years. The needs of children are also a priority. He speaks of how the Church is organizing summer camps for orphans and refugee children, many of whom have lost years of education due to war and the COVID-19 pandemic. "Some children have effectively lost five years of schooling," the Archbishop says, expressing concern for the rise in illiteracy. A Synod in Rome Asked about the recent Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church held in Rome, Archbishop Gudziak says that the main focus was pastoral, but necessarily tied to the war. 'We meet every year for almost two weeks to address the issues of the day and of the future, which include also selecting candidates for Episcopal Sees,' he states. However, this year, he adds, the focus was mainly on the pastoral care of families in the context of war 'because outside of Ukraine, we have refugees of this war.' Some 350,000 people have come into the United States in the past three years, he explains, while in England alone there are over 150,000. With millions of Ukrainians living abroad, Archbishop Gudziak says the bishops need to address both their spiritual and practical needs. "We wanted to show support for our brother bishops in Ukraine, both morally and materially: eastern Ukraine and western Ukraine have different styles and different pastoral circumstances," he reiterates. 'The main topic now is the war and the suffering of people.' He adds that the Church wants "to be able to speak in an informed way about the circumstances in Ukraine, to the outside world.' Providing an overview of the reality and complexity of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, he explains that it is part of the communion of 23 Eastern Catholic Churches, each with its own liturgical and canonical tradition. Presently, he notes, the Church has 36 eparchies across Ukraine and the diaspora, supported by a total of 55 bishops. In Rome, he says, the bishops met twice with Pope Leo XIV and held talks with various Vatican officials. A Church in a backpack Turning to his own ministry in the United States, Archbishop Gudziak notes that despite the large number of new Ukrainian arrivals, only a small fraction, about 5%, regularly connect with the Church. To reach them, the Archeparchy has established a special office for migrants, offering food assistance, clothing, language resources, and help with schooling, licensing, and job placement. Yet, the geographic spread of newcomers and the limited number of parishes pose a significant challenge. "We are rethinking what it means to be Church," the Archbishop says. 'We need to be a 'Church in the backpack', mobile, flexible, present where the people are, even without buildings.' He recalls his own experience in Paris, where for years the Ukrainian Catholic community gathered for liturgies and fellowship in borrowed spaces. 'We had wonderful Church life, even without infrastructure.' He also highlights the growing influence of secularization and digital culture, particularly among younger Ukrainians: "They are more similar to their peers in England, Australia, or Korea than to their own grandparents." Plea for prayer and solidarity As the war escalates, so does the suffering. In recent weeks, record numbers of drones—up to 700 in a single day—have targeted civilian infrastructure, hospitals, and schools. Archbishop Gudziak's message is urgent: 'We ask you to pray, because prayer deflects bullets. Pray because God is the Lord of history, and His truth will prevail.' He invites Catholics around the world to stay informed and to help however they can—through prayer, advocacy, or humanitarian aid. "The Catholic Church has historically been outlawed and destroyed in territories under Russian occupation," he notes, adding that in such times, the people's courage and conversion stand as powerful signs of God's presence. 'It is a time of incredible challenge," he concludes, "but we are immensely grateful for every act of kindness, every prayer, every gesture of assistance."--Vatican News
Herald Malaysia
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
Metropolitan Gudziak: Pope Leo XIV is a shepherd who speaks to us all
Welcoming Pope Leo XIV's election, fellow American and leader of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia recalls that the newly elected Pope once studied theology at Villanova University in Pennsylvania and expresses his view that he is a pastor and a theologian. May 10, 2025 Pope Leo XIV straight after his election (@Vatican Media) By Svitlana Dukhovych and Linda BordoniWelcoming the new Pope and reflecting on the significance of his election, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, told Vatican News: "I share the joy of many Americans that an American has been chosen Pope, but my joy is hardly a national one. It's an ecclesial joy. It's a spiritual joy." "He wants to reach out," the Metropolitan continued. "He's continuing the message of openness that marked Pope Francis' pontificate, but probably adding juridical order - he is, after all, a canon lawyer." A name rich in meaning Reflecting on the name Leo , chosen by the new Pope, Metropolitan Gudziak pointed to its historical and theological resonance. 'Pope Leo XIV has taken the name of his predecessor Leo XIII,' he noted, 'who really articulated Catholic social doctrine in a modern way — a doctrine based on the Gospel, and a response to the plight of the poor and labourers during the 19th century industrialisation. But it was also a response to the rise of Marxism and communism.' Yet the significance goes even deeper he explained, 'We shouldn't forget that Leo was not only a pope of the 19th century, Pope Leo the Great was a very important theologian, the Pope of the Council of Chalcedon - a Council that helped the Church understand who Christ is: truly God and truly man.' Metropolitan Gudziak sees in the name Leo a theological and pastoral vision that is both rooted and forward-looking. 'It represents a very broad theological tradition which includes clarity in doctrine and a very radical social outreach. Those characteristics are represented in the choice of the name, and I hope they are also something that Pope Leo XIV will be able to articulate in a fruitful, life-giving manner.' A gentle shepherd 'He has a very kind face,' the Archbishop continued, 'He speaks in a gentle, loving way, emphasising that we are all loved by God. He encourages the world and the Church to build bridges, to engage in dialogue, to be open to all.' 'I thank God,' Metropolitan Gudziak concluded, 'and I thank the cardinals for choosing a Holy Father, a bishop of Rome, who will speak to me, will speak to you, will speak to all of us about God's love.' Metropolitan Gudziak went on to describe the new Pope as 'a leader who prays, a leader who is tender.'--Vatican News
CBS News
21-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
"Pope of the People": Remembering Pope Francis for his compassion, transformation, humanity
In the heart of Northern Liberties and within the serene walls of the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a portrait of Pope Francis quietly watches over a post-Easter congregation. The atmosphere is both somber and joyful, fitting for a moment of reflection on a man whose legacy shaped a generation of Catholics and people of all faiths. Francis , who has been known throughout the world for his progressive stance on inequality, economic injustice, and human dignity, is being remembered by many not just as a religious leader but as a symbol of love, humility and reform. "Francis had a sense of the mystery of every human being," said Archbishop Borys Gudziak, who was appointed by Francis in 2019 as Metropolitan Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy. "He saw every human being as somebody created in the image and likeness of God." That sense of humanity wasn't just theological; it was deeply personal. The Archbishop recalled an emotional moment captured in a photograph, where he shared with the Holy Father the painful story of a friend's suicide. Francis's response wasn't one of distant solemnity, but of intimate compassion. "You can tell from that picture that he's listening," Gudziak said. Francis' papacy was marked by bold moves that challenged tradition while embracing those long cast aside. From his advocacy for climate action and migrant rights to his calls for church reform and outreach to the LGBTQ+ community, his leadership redefined what many believed a Pope could be. "He's very for the people," Stacey Jimenez said. "I really admire that about the Pope — that he was part of a culture that welcomed others, that we're very close to." Austin Simmons, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, said Francis' inclusive spirit brought him hope for the first time. "When the Pope is inviting you into the house… I'm not saying he's going to give you everything you want and want to hear, but he's at least inviting you to the table," Simmons said. "That's the important part." His openness didn't mean compromise on doctrine, but a deepening of dialogue; an effort to listen, understand and walk with those often left outside the church doors. In his death, the question now becomes: what will the church do with the space Francis carved out? "We move forward," said Gudziak, expressing hope that Francis's commitment to love, dignity and the sacredness of every person remains a living part of the Catholic Church.
CBS News
06-03-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Ukrainian archbishop based in Philadelphia asks people to pray for Pope Francis amid sickness
Pope Francis was absent from Ash Wednesday services in Rome as he remains hospitalized with double pneumonia this week, but the Vatican says the pope is in stable condition and has not had any more episodes of respiratory failure. Many remember Pope Francis' historic visit to Philadelphia in 2015, a moment that left a lasting mark on the city and its Catholic community. That includes Archbishop Borys Gudziak, who has served as the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy since he was appointed by Pope Francis in 2019. "I've met him many times, know him personally," Gudziak said. "He has brought us clergy down to really see the people. Not that we didn't before, but he has put an emphasis on this." He described the pope's leadership as deeply prophetic, with his words and actions often encouraging the faithful to step outside the walls of the church and reach out to those in need. "He has touched people who suffer and encouraged us to follow the example of Jesus in doing so," Gudziak said. As Pope Francis continues to recover from health complications, many in the Catholic community are praying for his swift recovery. Gudziak shared his thoughts on what he believes is Francis' lasting legacy: "He pushed the Catholic flock and I think many in the world to rethink many things," Gudziak said. "That we are a field hospital. It's muddy, it's bloody, but … the healing hand of the Lord is there." The archbishop emphasized the pope's focus on being close to those in need, a central aspect of his legacy. "The example of Jesus of being close is something that is at the center of his legacy. The fact that he says the Church is for all —'tutti, tutti, tutti' — all are welcome to the Church," he said. As Lent begins, Gudziak encourages the faithful to keep Pope Francis in their thoughts and prayers, especially given the uncertainty of his health. "In these critical days for the Holy Father, I pray for him and ask other people to pray for the pope, who has asked the world twice a week for three years to pray for Ukraine," Gudziak said.
