Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
Bishop Mykola Cardinal Bychok holds a press conference after the conclave in Rome
May 10, 2025
On May 9, 2025, an official press conference was held at the Domus Australia in Rome by Bishop Mykola Cardinal Bychok, Eparch for Ukrainian Catholics in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania. The event was held the day after the announcement of the results of the Pontifical Conclave, in which Cardinal Mykola participated.
At the beginning of the press conference, Bishop Mykola read an official statement on the occasion of the election of the new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the 266th Successor of St. Peter. In his address, he expressed joy and gratitude for this new beginning in the life of the Church, calling it “a moment filled with hope, prayer, and a renewed vocation to unity and mission.”
Bishop Mykola recalled with special attention the first words of the new Pope, “Peace to you all,” which, according to him, are addressed to everyone who suffers from violence and division, including the Ukrainian people. He emphasised that the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV already bears signs of a unifying ministry, both for the Catholic Church with its wealth of rites and for a world divided by war and fear.
In the second part of the press conference, Bishop Mykola answered journalists’ questions about his participation in the conclave. He shared his experience of being in prayer and discernment with his brother cardinals, emphasising the role of the Holy Spirit in this decision.
Concluding the meeting, Bishop Mykola assured the audience of his prayers for the new pope and called on them to join in this prayerful support.
