Pope John Paul II's historic visit to Ukraine began at 12:30 p.m. today with the ritual kiss of local soil and official greetings from Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma at Boryspil International Airport outside Kyjiv. Opening the official state visit, both heads of state recalled the Christian character of Ukraine's history and the challenges awaiting the nation. The Pope also asked the Ukrainian Orthodox for forgiveness as he likewise offered forgiveness for the wrongs endured against Catholics in Ukraine.
Stepping off the plane from Rome, the Pope continued the custom of his previous 93 international trips by kissing the land of Ukraine, as presented in a decorated bowl resting on a red and black embroidered cloth. In accordance with Ukrainian tradition, he was also welcomed with an offering of bread and salt from a trio of girls in native costume. Joy and relief at the arrival of this long-awaited moment were visible on the faces of the official hosts for the pastoral visit, His Beatitude Lubomyr Cardinal Husar (head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church) and Roman Catholic Archbishop Marian Cardinal Jaworski.
Following a 21-gun salute from the honor guard, President Kuchma welcomed the Pope as a champion of human rights " who was in the epicenter of great events that changed the character of our world." He also recalled the Pope's pastoral predecessors in Ukraine, in particular the first-century saint Pope Clement, who "propagated Christ in Khersones' quarries and suffered for Him." Sts. Cyril and St. Methodius later brought his remains from Ukraine to Rome.
In a similar fashion, the Pope began his fifteen-minute speech by reflecting on the origins of Christianity in Ukraine. Echoing the tradition that the Apostle Saint Andrew "saw the glory of God shining brightly on the hills of Kyjiv", the Pope spoke hopefully, "I seem to see a new radiance spreading over this blessed land."
Both leaders recognized the variety of social and religious tensions in Ukraine today. Recognizing the long road ahead for an independent Ukraine, Kuchma averted to the need for tolerance, respect for others' views and beliefs, and love of neighbor. In turn, the Pope emphasized the fraternal nature of his trip and his desire to pay tribute to the Ukrainian confessors of the faith of all traditions. "I come as a brother in the faith to embrace all the Christians who, amid the severest of tribulations, have persevered in their fidelity to Christ."
Directly addressing the hierarchy and faithful of the Orthodox Church, the Pope recalled both the bright and dark times in the relations between the Church of Rome and the Church of Kyjiv. He continued the search for forgiveness which marked his pilgrimage to Greece in May, "As we ask forgiveness for the errors committed in both the distant and recent past, let us in turn offer forgiveness for the wrongs endured. The most fervent wish that rises from my heart is that the errors of times past will not be repeated in the future."
The memory of Ukraine's new freedom and release from the trials of centuries - including occupations, forced starvations, totalitarian regimes and most recently Chernobyl - prompted the Pontiff to encourage a new hope in the nation's youth and quote the dream of the 19th-century Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko that "enemies will be no more."
Following the airport ceremony, the Holy Father visited the Church of St. Nicholas built above the tomb of the ninth-century King Askold. In front of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God venerated there, the Pope entrusted his journey in Ukraine to her "maternal mantle".
23.06.2001 (16:31) // Religious Information Service of Ukraine
23. juni 2001