Pope Francis has named Bishop Mykola Bychok of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Melbourne to the College of Cardinals, marking the first appointment of an Australian-based cardinal since George Pell's death.
On Sunday, the Pope announced 21 new cardinals, including Bychok, who relocated to Australia in 2020 after his appointment by Francis. He will officially become a cardinal at a consistory on December 8, which will increase the College of Cardinals to 256 members, with 141 eligible to vote in a papal conclave.
At 44, Bishop Bychok is the youngest of the newly announced cardinal-elects and will be the first Australian-based cardinal since Pell passed away in January 2023. Pell had been appointed a cardinal in 2003.
During the announcement in Rome, Pope Francis emphasized the diversity of the new cardinals, stating that their origins reflect the universal nature of the Church. He noted, "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 Ukrainian Catholic Church of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania expressed pride in Bishop Bychok’s appointment, stating, "This is a significant event for the entire Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Ukrainian people." They extended heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Mykola on his elevation to cardinal.
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