Pope Says Ukraine Trip Is to Promote Christian Unity

VATICAN CITY, JUNE 17, 2001 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II hopes to promote Christian unity during his forthcoming trip to Ukraine.

"I would like to entrust to Mary very especially the next pilgrimage I will undertake to Ukraine, beginning this coming Saturday," the Holy Father said today, as he addressed pilgrims in St. Peter's Square, gathered below his apartment window. "May this apostolic trip mark a new stage on the way toward the desired unity of all Christians."

John Paul II's trip to Kiev and Lviv will take place from June 23-27. Some Orthodox Church leaders in Ukraine oppose the trip, in part because of tensions with Greek-Catholics.

But surveys indicate that other Orthodox currents, as well as most of the population, will welcome the Pontiff, who is expected to attract 2 million people to his public events.

Catholic World News Service - Daily News Briefs
17. juni 2001