Shevchuk: Free women, medics and clergy in ‘all-for-all’ prisoner exchange

[Michie]

(OSV News) — The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has renewed Pope Francis’ recent call for an “all-for-all” prisoner exchange as a means of honoring Christ’s deliverance of humanity from sin and death.

As part of his weekly video message, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk issued an April 28 plea that, in particular women, medical workers and clergy be released, adding, “We will do everything in our power” to secure their freedom.

Pope Francis’ call for peace and exchange of all prisoners​

On Easter, March 31, Pope Francis issued the traditional “urbi et orbi” (to the city and to the world) blessing, saying in his accompanying message that the “doors of life” opened by “Jesus alone” are “continually … shut with the wars spreading throughout the world.”


“In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine: all for the sake of all!” said Pope Francis.

Major Archbishop Shevchuk’s reiteration of the pope’s request comes on the eve of Easter according to the Julian calendar (May 5 in 2024), which remains intact for the present in Ukraine. After 2025, all Ukrainian Greek Catholic parishes will follow the Gregorian liturgical calendar.

Appeal to Christians across front lines​

Continued below.

Shevchuk: Free women, medics and clergy in 'all-for-all' prisoner exchange

As part of his weekly video message, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk issued an April 28 plea that, in particular women, medical workers and clergy be released, adding, "We will do everything in our power" to secure their freedom.

www.oursundayvisitor.com