杏MAP导航

By Francesca Merlo

杏MAP导航 Francis began his address by making reference to 杏MAP导航 Emeritus Benedict XVI鈥檚 message for the occasion. Sent in October, the message stated that 鈥渙nly humbleness can find the Truth and the Truth in turn is the foundation of Love, on which ultimately everything depends鈥�.

As Benedict XVI recalled in his message, the Commission was founded 鈥渢o create new bridges between theology and Magisterium鈥�.

Two texts

杏MAP导航 Francis acknowledged that in the last 5-year session, the Commission has 鈥渆laborated two significant texts鈥�. The first, he said, offers a theological clarification on synodality, both in life and in the mission of the Church.

鈥淎s you know, this theme is very close to my heart: synodality is a style, it is a way of walking together, and that is what the Lord expects of the Church in the third millennium鈥�, said 杏MAP导航 Francis.

The second document, he continued, proposes discernment on the different interpretations of religious freedom today. 杏MAP导航 Francis explained that 鈥渉onest respect鈥� for religious freedom is a 鈥済reat contribution to the common good and to peace鈥�.

The 杏MAP导航 then went on to tell those present that 鈥渁s theologians from various backgrounds and latitudes鈥�, they are the 鈥渕ediators between faith and cultures鈥�. In this way, he continued, they 鈥渢ake part in the essential mission of the Church: evangelisation鈥�.

Beautiful theology

杏MAP导航 Francis concluded by acknowledging that even after fifty years of intense work, 鈥渢here is still much to be done鈥�. Only a 鈥渂eautiful theology鈥�, which has respect for the Gospel, and is not content with merely functioning, attracts, he said. 鈥淎nd to make a beautiful theology we must never forget two dimensions that make up it. The first is the spiritual life, and the second is ecclesial life鈥�. He said that a theologian must "go forward" and take risks during discussions. Theologians must address controversial and difficult topics; but, said the 杏MAP导航, they should be addressed privately among theologians themselves, so as to avoid causing people to lose their faith. The people, he said, must always be given 鈥渢he solid nourishment that feeds the faith鈥�.  

Finally, 杏MAP导航 Francis renewed his gratitude for all the work the Commission does, and urged all those present to pursue their mission with joy.