In a historic move, Pope Francis has named Bishop Mykola Bychok, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Melbourne, as one of the 21 new cardinals set to be elevated later this year.
This marks the first time an Australian-based cardinal has been appointed since the death of Cardinal George Pell in January 2023, filling a significant gap in Australia’s Catholic leadership.
The 44-year-old bishop, who relocated to Australia in 2020 after being appointed by Pope Francis, will be the youngest among the new cardinal-elects.
He is also the first cardinal-elect from Melbourne since Pell, who served as a cardinal from 2003 until his death. Bishop Bychok’s inclusion in the College of Cardinals highlights the growing prominence of Australia’s Catholic community on the global stage, as well as the pope’s recognition of the Ukrainian Catholic diaspora.
Bychok’s official elevation will take place on December 8, during a consistory led by Pope Francis in Rome.
The ceremony will see the College of Cardinals expand to 256 members, 141 of whom are eligible to vote in a papal conclave. Cardinals over the age of 80 are not eligible to vote, making Bishop Bychok’s age a significant factor in his future role in the church.
Announcing the new cardinals on Sunday, Pope Francis emphasized the diversity within the group, representing various countries and regions from across the world.
“Their origins expresses the universality of the Church, which continues to proclaim God’s merciful love to all people on earth,” Pope Francis said during the announcement.
“Their inclusion in the Diocese of Rome also manifests the inseparable bond between the See of Peter and the particular Churches spread throughout the world.”
The appointment of Bishop Bychok has been welcomed with great enthusiasm by the Ukrainian Catholic Church of Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania.
The church released a statement celebrating the news: “This is a significant event for the entire Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Ukrainian people. Therefore, on behalf of all the clergy and faithful of the Eparchy of Melbourne, we sincerely congratulate Bishop Mykola on his proclamation as a cardinal.”
Bishop Bychok’s role in Australia has been instrumental in supporting Ukrainian communities, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. His appointment is seen as both a reflection of his service to the local and international Ukrainian diaspora and a broader symbol of solidarity between the Vatican and the global Ukrainian Catholic community.
In becoming a cardinal, Bychok will now hold one of the most significant roles within the Catholic Church, contributing to decisions that will shape its future direction. At a time of global uncertainty and shifting geopolitical landscapes, his elevation is seen as a symbol of hope and resilience, particularly for Ukrainians in Australia and abroad.
The consistory on December 8 will not only mark the official creation of new cardinals but also reaffirm the global reach and unity of the Catholic Church under Pope Francis’ leadership. Bishop Bychok’s presence as a cardinal will reinforce Australia’s position in the global Catholic community, while also providing a significant morale boost for the local faithful, especially those with ties to Ukraine.
This momentous occasion is set to bring greater recognition to the work of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Australia and its efforts to serve both spiritual and humanitarian needs in a rapidly changing world.
