### Pope Francis Promotes Young Ukrainian Bishop to Cardinal

In an unexpected move perceived by some as a subtle reprimand, Pope Francis has announced the promotion of a young Ukrainian bishop in Australia to cardinal, potentially sidelining the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) from ever rising to this elevated rank. Bishop Mykola Bychok, Eparch of Sts. Peter and Paul of Melbourne, will be among the 21 new cardinals to be created on December 8.

Born in Ternopil, Ukraine, in 1980, Bishop Bychok will become the youngest member of the Roman Catholic Church’s College of Cardinals at the age of 44. Ordained as a priest in 2005, he was consecrated as a bishop by Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk in 2020. Given Archbishop Shevchuk's seniority and extensive pastoral experience, the Pope's decision has puzzled some church observers.

The appointment has drawn attention due to the political undertones perceived by church analysts. With the nomination of Bychok, Pope Francis appears to be subtly censuring Archbishop Shevchuk, who has diverged from the Vatican’s position on Ukraine's recent legislation against religious organizations tied to Moscow. Additionally, promoting a Byzantine-rite bishop seems to send a message to Australia's Roman Catholic hierarchy amidst the lingering shadow of the sex abuse scandal involving the late Cardinal George Pell.

Archbishop Shevchuk has maintained a positive public stance on the Pope’s decision. Speaking to Radio Svoboda, he stated, “The appointment of new cardinals is the personal and sovereign right of the Pope. When he nominates someone as a cardinal, he invites that person to become his assistant." He further emphasized the benefits for the UGCC, stating, "Our Church rejoices because it will have another bishop who...will competently speak to the Pope and stand up for the protection of our Church and the people of Ukraine."

The UGCC, which has a Byzantine rite and has been in full communion with Rome since 1596, has had only four cardinals chosen by the Vatican throughout its history, never more than one at a time. Bychok’s promotion is seen as a significant occurrence within this historical context.

Bishop Bychok has been a vocal supporter of Pope Francis' approach to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. Despite some criticisms, such as his disapproval of the Vatican’s decision to feature a Ukrainian and a Russian woman together during the 2022 Via Crucis ceremony, he has defended the Pope’s overall peace efforts.

This latest consistory will be Pope Francis’ ninth since his election in 2013. By the end of the year, 141 cardinals will be below the age limit of 80 and eligible to vote in future papal elections. Among them, a substantial majority of 111 have been appointed by Pope Francis himself.