Annual Report. PATRIARCHAL CURIA UGCC 2019

21 Commenting on the news announcement, the Head of the UGCC His Beatitude Sviatoslav said: " It is the highest level of attention shown by the Holy See , with an unprecedented meeting that forms part of the Vatican Curia’s internal proce- dures when it comes to identifying the best mode of action in particular circum- stances, events or situations." The Pope himself, the cardinal secretary and leading officials of the Vatican Secretariat of State, and prefects of four curial departments, together with their assistants, dedicated two full days of fraternal conversation and reflection to the challenges and mission of our Church — in Ukraine and in its global presence. The Holy See wanted to understand how it can help the UGCC not only develop but "flourish" as was emphasized in the final communique. According to the par- ticipants of the meeting, which was held with mutual listening and was accompa- nied by prayer, it was possible to explain to the leaders of the Holy See how the war in Ukraine exacerbated the historical wounds caused by decades of geno- cidal totalitarianism. In the twentieth century between 12 and 15 million people were killed on Ukrainian territory. Now, enduring the sixth year of foreign inva- sion Ukraine is the poorest country in Europe. A million emigrants and refugees are leaving the country annually, often without documentation. The Holy Father wanted to hear the truth about what is taking place. "It would be good if other world leaders dedicated as much time and attention to Ukraine, the Ukrainian war, human suffering and aspirations" — noted His Excellence Borys Gudziak , Archbishop-Metropolitan of Philadelphia and Head of the Department of External Church Relations of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.