There were approximately 4,500 members from 40 countries around the world. At the audience with the International Service for Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CHARIS)an organization created by Pope Francis in 2019 to promote communion and service, Pope Leo retraced the history of the movement. Born in the United States in 1967, it spread to Italy at the end of 1971.
Leo XIV quoted Paul VI, who in 1975 stated: «There is nothing more necessary for this increasingly secularized world than the testimony of this spiritual renewal». And then John Paul II who, instead, remembered how it was “the same Spirit” a push the movement to “bear testimony” because “anyone who has tasted the goodness of Christ” cannot “remain silent and inactive”. Benedict XVI, underlines Leone, also recognized the merit of the movement for “having recalled the relevance” of the charisms in the Church. Finally, a quote from Pope Francis spoke of the Renewal as a “current of grace” which is “for the whole Church, not just for some”.
In his speech, Leo XIV identified five fundamental aspects of the experience of the movement: baptism in the Spirit, prayer of praise, the Word of God, communion and charity. He explained that the journey of common faith has its origins “in the personal experience of the Holy Spirit, which allowed the grace of Baptism to become effective in each of you.” From this experience comes the profound desire to «be witnesses and messengers of his love, bringing his consolation to people oppressed by a sense of emptiness and loneliness». The Pope then underlined the value of praise and adoration, essential aspects of Christian prayer that the Renewal has contributed to rediscovering, and recalled how Scripture has become “a wonderful source of spiritual nourishment that enlightens and comforts”.
Finally, the appeal to put oneself «at the service of your dioceses and parishes, offering your experience and your methods of evangelization”. The invitation to follow “faithfully the guidance of your priests” and to listen to «the voices of wise people, even if they are not part of your groups». And the call to cultivate “harmony and cooperation, taking care never to give in to the desire for self-promotion or the search for power or personal prestige”.
