SW News: Seeking an end to the conflict in Ukraine, the Secretary of State of the Holy See Cardinal Pietro Parolin will preside over a special Eucharistic celebration for peace in the war-torn country.

This was announced by the Apostolic Exarchate for Ukrainian Catholics of the Byzantine Rite in Italy. The Holy Mass will be presided over by the cardinal on November 17 at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. It is being organized by the Holy See, the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Ukrainian embassy to the Vatican.

The Holy Mass presided over by Cardinal Parolin also marks the 30th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic ties between both nations after the establishment of the apostolic nunciature in Kyiv by Pope St John Paul II. It will be attended by members of the Ukrainian Catholic community in Rome, high-ranking Vatican officials, and officials of the Ukrainian embassy among others. Latin Rite and Ukrainian Greek Catholic bishops and priests are slated to concelebrate the Liturgy along with Cardinal Parolin.

Cardinal Parolin’s Mass gains significance as the Vatican has emerged as the most viable interlocutor for peace talks between both the belligerent nations. In July this year, the Holy Father himself offered Mass for the Congolese residents in the Italian capital. Last year, Pope Francis offered Mass for Myanmar which is also facing internal strife.

The Holy Father was given a briefing about the situation in Ukraine by none other than Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church when he visited the Vatican last week. The top prelate, who is known for his daily video message to the faithful from the onset of the war, thanked the Holy Father for his support and show of solidarity with Ukraine. He also expressed gratitude to the pope for his role in the freeing of prisoners.
Meanwhile, the Vatican is stepping up its efforts on all fronts to bring about a ceasefire in Ukraine.