The consistory held on December 7, 2024, at St. Peter’s Basilica was a profound moment in the life of the Catholic Church. Presided over by Pope Francis, this sacred event elevated 21 new cardinals to the College of Cardinals, expanding its membership to 253. Among the new members, two stood out: His Eminence Angelo Acerbi, a 99-year-old Italian bishop, became the oldest cardinal, while His Eminence Mykola Bychok, a 44-year-old Ukrainian bishop and member of the Redemptorist order, became the youngest.
For the global Redemptorist family, the consistory was particularly momentous. Cardinal Bychok, a confrere of the Redemptorist congregation, has dedicated his life to serving the faithful in Oceania as Bishop of the Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul of Melbourne. Speaking to Scala News, Cardinal Bychok described his elevation as a “profound responsibility” during these challenging times for Ukraine.
Card. Bychok with the Redemptorist confreres from Ukraine after the Consistory 
Card. Bychok with the General Government after the Consisttory
He spoke to the Scala News on his visit to the General Curia of the Congregation in Rome on December 09, 2024.
The Voice of Ukraine in the Church:
Reflecting on his appointment, Cardinal Bychok shared: “Knowing the difficult times that my Ukrainian people are going through because of the war, I will continue to inform the Catholic world about what is happening in our land and to constantly remember Ukraine.”
The Pope’s consistent calls for an end to Ukraine’s suffering resonate deeply with the young cardinal. He emphasized the Church’s role as a mediator for a just peace, not only in Ukraine but also in other regions plagued by conflict, such as the Middle East. “Peace in the world will come only when people have peace in their hearts, a true peace that comes from the love of Christ,” he affirmed.
Cardinal Bychok’s dedication to his homeland is inspired by the example of great Ukrainian Church leaders, particularly Cardinal Lubomyr Husar. Recalling Cardinal Husar’s humility and wisdom, he quoted: “My dream in life is to be a human being… my prayer is to be a good and normal human being.”
Below find the interview with His Eminence Cardinal Mykola Bychok, CSsR
Ministry in Oceania: A Missionary for Peace
As a Redemptorist bishop serving in Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania, Cardinal Bychok has faced the challenges of ministering in deeply secular societies. He described his mission as helping people rediscover the love of God through the sacraments and the community of faith.
“We are called to be missionaries to help people see that the Church is the place where they can meet the living God in the most beautiful way, through Holy Sacraments, Confession, and Holy Communion.”
Cardinal Bychok’s ministry reflects the Redemptorist charism of reaching those on the margins. One of his greatest pastoral concerns is secularisation, which he views as a growing challenge for the Church globally. Yet, he remains hopeful, emphasizing that living an authentic Christian life can inspire others to encounter Christ: “First of all, we should show through our lives that we live Christ, because when others look at our life, they will see through us.”
A Cardinal with a Redemptorist Heart:
Reflecting on his Redemptorist formation, Cardinal Bychok credited the community for shaping his spirituality and vocation. He discovered his calling at 15 through the guidance of Redemptorist missionaries and spiritual mentors.
“The zeal of the Redemptorists in preaching the Word of God and their dedication to serving God inspired me and ignited a burning desire to be one of them.” Even now, as a cardinal, the Redemptorist charism remains central to his ministry. His humility and commitment to service align with Pope Francis’s vision of cardinals as “servants rather than eminences.”
A Global and Inclusive Church:
This consistory highlighted Pope Francis’s mission to make the College of Cardinals more representative of the universal Church. With new members hailing from Africa, Asia, and Oceania, the College now includes representatives from 90 countries. As one of 140 cardinals under the age of 80 with voting rights in a papal conclave, Cardinal Bychok brings a unique perspective as both a young leader and a representative of the Redemptorist congregation.
Hope for the Future:
As the youngest cardinal, Cardinal Bychok carries the hope of a new generation in the Church. He urged young people to follow Christ by living authentically and staying close to those who are abandoned and marginalized:
“The best way to show Christ to young people is to follow His example—being close to people and living a life of service.”
Cardinal Bychok’s elevation to the College of Cardinals is a source of pride for the global Redemptorist family and a beacon of hope for a world yearning for peace, justice, and authentic witness. His voice, rooted in faith and shaped by service, will undoubtedly resonate in the halls of the Vatican and beyond.
Cardinal Mykola Bychok being honored on 9th of December by the St. Alphonsus community in Rome speaks highly about the respect and love the community holds for him. Hosting a special dinner as an expression of gratitude is a wonderful way to celebrate his contributions and leadership. It’s also deeply moving to see Ukrainian Redemptorists come together for this occasion, highlighting the unity and support within the Church, especially during challenging times for Ukraine.
Fr. Prince Thekkepuram, CSsR.
