Papal encouragement for America’s Ruthenian Catholics
July 21, 2025
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CWN Editor's Note: Pope Leo XIV has written a message, dated July 12 and released July 19, to Ruthenian Catholics attending the 3rd Metropolitan Assembly of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh.
“Your Assembly, held under the theme ‘Come, let us worship and bow before Christ,’ offers a precious opportunity to grow in unity and to reaffirm your commitment to the Lord,” Pope Leo wrote. “Through your liturgical celebrations, prayerful reflection and fraternal dialogue, you will surely renew your faithful witness to Christ and deepen your proclamation of the Gospel in the rich tradition of the Byzantine Catholic Churches.”
“I give thanks for the witness of your forebears, who built vibrant Byzantine communities in North America amidst various challenges and uncertainty,” he continued. “Their legacy continues in your courageous embrace of pastoral renewal, which is rooted in fidelity to your heritage.”
The Ruthenian Greek Catholic Church (CNEWA profile), an Eastern Catholic church in full communion with the Holy See, includes two European eparchies immediately subject to the Holy See, as well as five North American jurisdictions under the purview of the Ruthenian Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh.
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