Pope appoints Visitator for Ukrainian Catholics in Ireland

By Vatican News staff reporter

Pope Francis on Monday named Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, Eparch of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London as Apostolic Visitator for the Greek Catholic Ukrainian faithful residents in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

A press release from the Eparchy noted that the Pope’s decision was taken following a determination by the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Speaking about the appointment, Bishop Nowakowski said: “I am grateful for the support and trust that His Holiness Pope Francis and His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, have placed in me. I look forward to working closely with the Bishops of Ireland in ensuring good pastoral care for the Ukrainian Catholics in Ireland.”

“There is currently one Ukrainian Catholic parish in Ireland located in Dublin with Fr Vasyl Korentsky assigned to serving Ukrainian Catholics in the Archdiocese of Dublin.” 

“With the recent arrival of thousands of displaced Ukrainians fleeing harm’s way since the 24 February invasion of Ukraine by Russia, I hope to work very closely with the Roman Catholic Bishops of Ireland and Northern Ireland in seeking ways to respond in positive ways to the humanitarian and pastoral needs of the growing Ukrainian Community.”

According to data from Ireland’s Central Statistics Office, nearly 39,000 refugees fleeing war in Ukraine have arrived in the country.

The highest percentage of those arriving, some 15,850 individuals, have been categorised as 'one parent with children'.

Men of conscription age, aged 18 to 60, were banned from leaving Ukraine after February’s invasion by Russia.

Bishop Hlib Lonchyna served as an apostolic visitor for Ukrainian Greek Catholics in Ireland until September 1, 2019.