The words of Pope Leo XIV are not lent to interpretations. Meeting the representatives of other ecclesial churches and communities, and those of other religions who took part in the inaugural celebration of his Ministry Petrino immediately says that “one of the strong points of the pontificate of Pope Francis was that of the universal fraternity. On this the Holy Spirit really “pushed” him to make the openings and initiatives already undertaken by the previous popes advance, especially starting from San Giovanni XXIII. The Pope of the brothers all promoted both the ecumenical journey and the interreligious dialogue, and he did it above all by cultivating interpersonal relationships, so that, without taking anything away from ecclesial ties, the human trait of the meeting was always enhanced. God help us treasure his testimony! ».
Remember that his election “took place while the 1700th anniversary of the first ecumenical council of Nicea “, a stop” fundamental for the elaboration of the creed shared by all the ecclesial churches and communities “. The Pope, meeting the patriarch Bartolomeo, confirms the journey, within the year, already scheduled with Pope Francis and reiterates that he considers among his “Priority duties the search for the restoration of full and visible communion among all those who profess the same faith in God the Father and Son and the Holy Spirit “. A concern, the one for the unit, which has always been at heart as shown by the motto chosen for the episcopal ministry and which has maintained in the papal coat of arms: “” In the one UNUM, an expression of Sant’Agostino di Hippo who recalls how we too, despite being many, “In that only one – that is Christ – we are one”. Our communion is made, in fact, to the extent that we convene in the Lord Jesus Christ. The more faithful and obedient we are, the more we are united among us. Therefore, as Christians, we are all called to pray and work together to reach this destination step by step, which is and remains the work of the Holy Spirit ».
He ensures, with clear words “my intention to continue Pope Francis’ commitment in the promotion of the synodal character of the Catholic Church and in the development of new and concrete forms for an increasingly intense synodality in the ecumenical field”. And he does not only look at the relationship between Christian churches. “Our common path,” he says immediately, “can and must also be understood in a wide sense, which involves everyone, in the spirit of human fraternity”. Repeats forcefully that «Today is time to dialogue and build bridges. And therefore I am happy and grateful for the presence of representatives of other religious traditions, who share the search for God and his willwhich is always and only willing of love and life for men and women and for all creatures. You have witnessed the considerable efforts made by Pope Francis in favor of interreligious dialogue. Through his words and actions, he has opened new prospects for meeting, to promote “the culture of dialogue as a way; common collaboration as a conduct; mutual knowledge as a method and criterion” “.
A particular greeting then reserves it “to the brothers and the Jewish and Muslim sisters. Because of the Jewish roots of Christianity, all Christians have a particular relationship with Judaism. The reconciliation declaration Nostra Aetate (n. 4) underlines the greatness of the spiritual heritage common to Christians and Jews, encouraging mutual knowledge and esteem. The theological dialogue between Christians and Jews always remains important and is very close to me. Also in these difficult times, marked by conflicts and misunderstandings, it is necessary to continue with the momentum of our dialogue so precious ».
As for “the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Muslims” recalls that these “have been marked by a growing commitment for dialogue and fraternity, favored by the esteem for these brothers and sisters” who love the only God, Living and existent, merciful and omnipotent, creator of heaven and earth, who spoke to men “. This approach, based on mutual respect and freedom of consciousness, represents a solid base for building bridges between our communities”.
Finally, talking to All representatives of other religious traditions thanks for the “contribution to peace”. In fact, he explains, “in a world wounded by violence and conflicts, each of the communities represented here bears its own contribution of wisdom, compassion, commitment for the good of humanity and the safeguard of the common house. I am convinced that if we agree and free from ideological and political conditioning, We will be able to be effective in saying “no” to war and “yes” to peace, “no” to the armament race and “yes” to disarmament, “no” to an economy that impoverishes peoples and land and “yes” to full development. The testimony of our fraternity, which I hope will be able to show with effective gestures, will certainly contribute to building a more peaceful world, as all men and women of goodwill want in heart ».
