Vatican Relics Find Permanent Home in Ukrainian Church

The Vatican transferred relics of St. John the Baptist to the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel in Kalush, Ukraine, for permanent safekeeping.

Kalush Mayor Andrii Naida announced the transfer via Facebook, noting the presence of Monsignor Irenaeus Bilyk, a representative of the Holy See, during the enshrinement. The relics arrived after a two-year effort initiated by the church’s clergy who sought to honor the prophet.

The transfer includes official documentation verifying the relic’s authenticity and the right to public veneration, including a papal decree signed by Pope Leo XIV. Kalush anticipates becoming a place of pilgrimage and prayer, especially as Ukraine faces ongoing challenges.

The event culminated in a signed Memorandum of Unity, Prayer, and Hope between the Kalush community, a Vatican representative, and local administration, with plans for future educational and humanitarian initiatives.