We are publishing Bishop Swiatosław Shevchuk’s memoir on Benedict XVI.

For me, Benedict XVI is one of the greatest Fathers of the Church. Only in time will we appreciate the intellectual treasure he left behind, especially his idea of ​​a new evangelization. I remember that as a student, I had the opportunity to meet him as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In 2002, I participated in a conference devoted to the tenth anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He spoke about complicated subjects in a synthetic and clear way and for me, as a young speaker, it was something sensational.

Then, as Pope Benedict XVI, he appointed me the youngest bishop in the world, which was an expression of respect for our Church. It was also an expression of faith and confidence in myself that I could handle this. After my episcopal ordination, I went to Argentina. Together with the bishops of this country, I made an ad limina Apostolorum visit to Pope Benedict. I remember that he received me and spoke to me like a real father, warm and cordial. He was interested not only in the affairs of our Greek Catholic Church in Argentina, but also in my personal life. Shortly after this visit, he appointed me Apostolic Administrator of the Eparchy of Buenos Aires for one year. Then Benedict XVI confirmed the election of the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church as my head. I am therefore a “son” of Benedict XVI as bishop and as head of the Church.

I remember that during the first years of my ministry as Major Archbishop of Kyiv-Halytsk, I visited Rome several times and met the Holy Father and, in accordance with canon law, I reported on the activities of our Synod of Bishops and its decisions. He was very well prepared for each encounter with me. He personally read all my letters. I didn’t have to explain much to him because he was always well prepared. Usually he would ask me for details and clarifications on the issues raised. Meetings with Benedict XVI proved that he is a man who knows me well and who understands Ukraine and our nation. Each time he asked how he could help us, what expectations we had of the Pope as a Church.