WelCom November 2024
In a surprising move, Pope Francis has named Ukrainian-born Bishop Mykola Bychok as Australia’s new cardinal.
Bishop Bychok, 44, who leads the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Australia, was appointed only four years after arriving in the country. His elevation has surprised many within the Church, especially those who expected more senior figures such as Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney or Melbourne’s Archbishop Peter Comensoli to receive the title.
Bishop Bychok’s appointment has also been interpreted as recognising the growing multiculturalism within the Australian Church. Data from the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office shows that nearly a quarter of the clergy in Australia are overseas born.
The new cardinal-elect, who learned of his appointment through the news, said he was in shock. ‘For me, it’s a great mystery. God works in mysterious ways, and the Pope works in mysterious ways, under God!’
Bishop Bychok acknowledged the weight of his new role, particularly for the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Australia and worldwide.
‘To fulfil this will of God will be a huge challenge for me, and a really difficult cross,’ he said.
Source: Catholic Weekly