Celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the visit of Saint John Paul II to Ukraine have begun in Kyiv.

On June 21, at the Cathedral of Saint Alexander in Kyiv, the commemorative events marking the 25th anniversary of the visit of Saint Pope John Paul II to Ukraine were solemnly inaugurated. The Holy Mass was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas.

The celebration was attended by His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, Head of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church; Bishop Vitalii Skomarovskyi, President of the Conference of Roman Catholic Bishops in Ukraine; ordinaries and auxiliary bishops of the Roman Catholic and Greek-Catholic Churches; the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha; as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps, clergy, religious, and the faithful.

During the liturgy, the historical pilgrimage of Saint John Paul II to Ukraine in 2001 was recalled, along with its significance for the development of interchurch dialogue, the promotion of peace, and support for the Ukrainian people.

The jubilee commemorations will continue over the coming days and will serve as an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual legacy of the Holy Father, which remains relevant for Ukraine today.