Unity is a top priority, as is the link between synodality and ecumenism, as well as the dialogue with our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters to “build a more peaceful world.” In the audience with representatives of other churches, ecclesial communities, and other religions, gathered in Rome to attend the Mass marking the beginning of his Petrine ministry, Leo XIV outlined his vision for ecumenism and interreligious dialogue. He began by inviting everyone to ‘treasure’ the witness of Pope Francis, who made ‘universal fraternity’ a cornerstone of his pontificate. “In this regard the Holy Spirit really ‘urged’ him to advance with great strides the initiatives already undertaken by previous Pontiffs, especially since Saint John XXIII”, said Pope Prevost in his tribute:
“The Pope of ‘Fratelli Tutti’ promoted both the ecumenical path and interreligious dialogue. He did so above all by cultivating interpersonal relations, in such a way that, without taking anything away from ecclesial bonds, the human trait of the encounter was always valued.” “May God help us to treasure his witness!”
In his opening remarks, the Pope expressed his “fraternal affection” to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, Theophilos III, and Mar Awa III. He referred to the Council of Nicaea as “a milestone in the formulation of the Creed shared by all Churches and Ecclesial Communities”, noting that his election took place during the 1700th anniversary year of that Council. “While we are on the journey to re-establishing full communion among all Christians, we recognise that this unity can only be unity in faith”, the Pope said.
“As Bishop of Rome, I consider one of my priorities to be that of seeking the re-establishment of full and visible communion among all those who profess the same faith in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”,
He continued, pointing out that “unity has always been a constant concern of mine, as witnessed by the motto I chose for my episcopal ministry: In Illo uno unum, an expression of Saint Augustine of Hippo that reminds us how we too, although we are many, “in the One — that is Christ — we are one. “Our communion is realised to the extent that we meet in the Lord Jesus”, said the Pope, adding that “the more faithful and obedient we are to Him, the more united we are among ourselves.”
“Aware that synodality and ecumenism are closely linked, I would like to assure you of my intention to continue Pope Francis’ commitment to promoting the synodal nature of the Catholic Church and developing new and concrete forms for an ever stronger synodality in ecumenical relations.”
This was Leo XIV’s second programmatic statement, in which he called for the collaboration of all the people of God in relation to ecumenism: “We Christians, then, are all called to pray and work together to reach this goal, step by step, which is and remains the work of the Holy Spirit.” “Our common path can and must also be understood in the broad sense of involving everyone.”
“Now is the time for dialogue and building bridges”,
the Pope confirmed, following in Bergoglio’s footsteps with regard to interreligious dialogue, for which his predecessor made “remarkable efforts”. “Through his words and actions, he opened new avenues of encounter to promote ‘the culture of dialogue as the path; mutual collaboration as the code of conduct; and reciprocal understanding as the method and standard,” he said, referring to the Document on Human Fraternity signed in Abu Dhabi.
“The theological dialogue between Christians and Jews remains ever important and close to my heart,”
he said, addressing “the Jewish brothers and sisters”: “Even in these difficult times, marked by conflicts and misunderstandings, it is necessary to continue the momentum of this precious dialogue of ours.” “Relations between the Catholic Church and Muslims have been marked by a growing commitment to dialogue and fraternity, fostered by esteem for our brothers and sisters who worship God, who is one, living and subsistent, merciful and almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has also spoken to humanity,” he said with regard to the Catholic Church’s dialogue with Muslims. “This approach, based on mutual respect and freedom of conscience, is a solid foundation for building bridges between our communities”, the Pope commented, expressing his “gratitude to all the representatives of other religious traditions present” for their “participation in the meeting and contribution to peace.”
“In a world wounded by violence and conflict, each of the communities represented here brings its own contribution of wisdom, compassion and commitment to the good of humanity and the preservation of our common home”, was the Pope’s final tribute to those present.
“If we are in agreement, and free from ideological and political conditioning, we can be effective in saying ‘no’ to war and ‘yes’ to peace, ‘no’ to the arms race and ‘yes’ to disarmament, ‘no’ to an economy that impoverishes peoples and the Earth and ‘yes’ to integral development.”
assured Leo IV: “The witness of our fraternity, which I hope we will be able to show with effective gestures, will certainly contribute to building a more peaceful world, something that all men and women of good will desire in their hearts.”
