Latest news with #Gudziak
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.
CBS News
04-03-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Ukrainian Archbishop Borys Gudziak urges Trump to visit Ukraine after Oval Office meeting with Zelenskyy
Archbishop Borys Gudziak is the highest-ranking Ukrainian Catholic bishop in the U.S. As a leader deeply connected to both his faith and his heritage, both the ongoing war in Ukraine and the contentious Oval Office meeting last week between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy weigh heavy. "Most Americans right here understand what is going on. Who started this war; who is the aggressor? Who is the victim? Who is battling for democracy, freedom; freedom of religion? Most Americans understand because it's so clear," Gudziak said. The question that has been on the minds of many Ukrainians and Americans alike following the meeting in the Oval Office is: What's next for Ukraine? When asked about his thoughts on the heated discussion between Mr. Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Zelenskyy, Gudziak responded with deep sadness. "To put it succinctly, sadness and shame that a victim is being abused and that a war criminal aggressor is being embraced," he said, highlighting the emotional toll of watching such discussions unfold. "Ultimately, it's the lack of the desire to see the person. To see the sacrifice. To see the suffering." Gudziak, appointed by Pope Francis in 2019, has made 12 trips to war-torn Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion began. He has met with Ukrainians on the frontlines and engaged with Zelenskyy in efforts to help his country. His visits have been a testament to his commitment to the people of Ukraine, and he's felt the frustration of his community firsthand. "There is great concern for many of our members of our community here in Philadelphia, throughout the United States, and internationally," he said. "Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians, and just the incredible frustration of some not to see the facts on the ground." The archbishop expressed concern that the White House is misinterpreting key facts about the war and the real threat posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. He emphasized the grave risks of ignoring the current situation and the potential for further devastation if Putin's ambitions are not contained. "Putin has not stepped away from this. He is explicit in his intentions. There is no Ukraine; there will be no Ukraine, and if genocide is necessary, so be it," he said. "If Ukrainians falter, totalitarianism will spread, and we in America will feel it exactly how President Zelenskyy tried to say to President Trump." When asked what message he would deliver to Mr. Trump and Vance, Gudziak's advice was simple: See the situation for yourself. "First, go and see and meet the people. Not the politicians, not the geopolitical spectrum, but see the facts on the ground," he said. "The truth is visible in the suffering of the people." Despite the shifting attitudes from Mr. Trump toward Ukraine, Gudziak remains hopeful. He believes that most Americans understand the gravity of the situation and the roles of the aggressor and the victim. "Ukraine today is an epicenter of global change and the Ukrainians today are saying not so fast buddy; not all truth is transactional, not everything could be bought and sold," Gudziak said. "There's good and there's evil, there's truth and there's lies, and we're willing to risk our lives for that."
