European Solidarity in Action: Supporting the Ukrainian Catholic University

From 1 to 3 September 2026, the Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, Fr. Željko Tanjić, together with Fr. Ante Crnčević, Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity and Mission, and Professor Franck Violet, Vice-Rector for International Development and European Affairs at the Catholic University of Lyon and member of the FUCE Board, visited the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) in Lviv.

The visit took place at the invitation of UCU Rector Professor Taras Dobko and formed part of a shared commitment to strengthening the ties that unite Catholic institutions of higher education across Europe at a time of unprecedented challenges.
 

During their stay, the delegation had the opportunity to discover the many dimensions of the Ukrainian Catholic University and to meet academic, administrative, pastoral, and community leaders. They visited several flagship initiatives developed by the university, particularly in the areas of support for vulnerable persons, assistance to families, services for veterans, and the rehabilitation of those affected by the war.
 

The delegation paid their respects at the Field of Honored Burials in Lychakiv Cemetery, an important place of national remembrance, met with Fr. Rostyslav Pendyiuk at Sofiyskyi Skhyl, and visited the Superhumans Rehabilitation Center, which has become an internationally recognized institution for the rehabilitation of war victims. The delegation was also honoured to be received by Archbishop Borys Gudziak, President of the Ukrainian Catholic University, whose longstanding commitment to the development of Catholic higher education and to the service of Ukrainian society offered a particularly inspiring perspective on the mission of the university in these challenging times. The programme also included meetings with UCU faculty deans, representatives of the university's Legal Clinic, the Office for Veterans Affairs and Their Families, and the UCU Clinic.

Beyond its academic and institutional dimensions, the visit carried a profound symbolic significance. At a time when Ukraine continues to endure the consequences of war, the presence of representatives from European Catholic universities was a tangible expression of fraternity, friendship, and solidarity.

The visit served as a reminder that Catholic universities in Europe represent much more than a network of institutions sharing a common intellectual and spiritual tradition. They form a genuine community united by shared values: respect for human dignity, commitment to justice, the promotion of peace, and service to the common good. When one member of this community faces particularly difficult circumstances, all are called to stand alongside it in support and partnership.

The delegation was particularly impressed by the resilience and determination demonstrated by the Ukrainian Catholic University. Despite the immense challenges facing the country, UCU continues to pursue its educational, research, and social mission with remarkable energy and effectiveness. The successful organization of the visit also demonstrated the university's ability to welcome international delegations from across Europe under excellent conditions and with the highest standards of safety and hospitality.

The visit reaffirmed an essential conviction: the challenges facing Catholic universities today, whether arising from armed conflict, social crises, cultural transformations, or the evolving landscape of higher education, cannot be addressed in isolation. They require cooperation, mutual support, and a shared commitment to the future. By strengthening partnerships, encouraging academic collaboration, and fostering an active culture of solidarity, Catholic universities can respond more effectively to the difficulties confronting their communities.

The experience in Lviv powerfully illustrated that hope is built through encounter, dialogue, and common action. More than ever, Europe's Catholic universities are called to move forward together, sharing their resources, expertise, and experiences in order to contribute to the building of a more just, peaceful, and humane society.

In times of difficulty, unity remains a source of strength. In times of trial, solidarity becomes a responsibility. Together, Catholic universities across Europe and Lebanon can continue to fulfill their mission in service of peace, knowledge, and the dignity of every human person.