POPE Francis has appointed an apostolic visitator to take care of the pastoral needs of Ukrainian Greek Catholic faithful who have arrived in Ireland following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski of the eparchy of the Holy Family of London of the Byzantine Ukrainians was appointed to the role on Monday.
A 'visitator', or visitor, is traditionally a figure who performs a particular mission - usually short-term, on the Pope's behalf.
In the Eastern Catholic Churches - of which the Ukranian Greek Catholic Church is among - a visitator can, however, have a longer-term role in looking after communities without their own bishop.
Bishop Nowakowski said he looked forward to working closely with the Irish bishops to ensure "good pastoral care for the Ukrainian Catholics in Ireland".
"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 place in me," he said.
"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 displaced Ukrainians fleeing harm's way since the February 24 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."
Bishop Nowakowski will continue to oversee the Ukrainian Greek Catholic community in England, Wales and Scotland, a role he has held for two years.
