杏MAP导航

By Devin Watkins

As the Pontifical Commission for Latin America held its plenary assembly, 杏MAP导航 Francis met with participants in the Vatican for a papal audience on Thursday.

The plenary is focused on exploring how the Commission can support Latin American bishops鈥� conferences and the Dicasteries of the Holy See in their mission to evangelize society in the region.

In his address, the 杏MAP导航 acknowledged that this focus relates closely to the synodal reform which the Church is currently undertaking.

He recalled then-Cardinal Ratzinger鈥檚 description of reform as he spoke in Madrid in 1995.

鈥淩eform,鈥� he said, 鈥渋s always an ablatio: a removal, so that the noble form, the face of the Bride, and with it also that of the Bridegroom, the living Lord, may become visible. Such an ablatio, such a 'negative theology,' represents a way to a very positive goal.鈥�

Encouraging Church in Latin America

杏MAP导航 Francis noted that the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate evangelium on the reform of the Roman Curia sought to turn the Latin America Commission into a service that brings the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 pastoral care and affection to the Church in the region.

The Commission, he added, is called to promote 鈥渢he necessary transformation that we all need, that is, to discreetly, prudently, and effectively help us live synodality鈥攖he dynamic dimension of communion鈥攖o walk together moved by the Spirit of the Lord in Latin America.鈥�

He emphasized the words 鈥渄iscretion, prudence, and effectiveness,鈥� saying the Commission is not meant to replace any part of the Church鈥檚 life in Latin America.

鈥淚t is called to encourage them all,鈥� he said, 鈥渨ith the simplicity and depth of those who trust more in the missionary sending and service than in mere activism.鈥�

Example of Juan Diego

The 杏MAP导航 pointed to the example of St. Juan Diego, who received the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe in what is now Mexico City.

The Blessed Virgin Mary chose him, said 杏MAP导航 Francis, not for his erudition or social status but rather for his awareness of his dependence on God in all things.

The Marian apparition, and Juan Diego鈥檚 role in it, show the Church in Latin America the simplicity, communion, and synodal depth of collaboration between the laity and the heirarchy.

鈥淭he lay faithful announces the good news, fundamentally trusting in the ecclesial and supernatural dimension of their mission, and not so much in their own strengths,鈥� said 杏MAP导航 Francis. 鈥淭his same trust also allows the laity to accept, without complication, the responsibility that the bishop has within the community.鈥�

In other words, he said, 鈥渋nternal synodality bears fruits of fraternity externally.鈥�

Building bridges of fraternity

杏MAP导航 Francis concluded his address to the Pontifical Commission for Latin America with an invitation to 鈥渋nspire, motivate, and provoke the freedom鈥� for local Churches to discern their unique path of evangelization, while promoting communion with the universal Church.

鈥淭he Commission must build bridges of reconciliation, inclusion, and fraternity,鈥� said the 杏MAP导航, 鈥渂ridges that allow people to 鈥榡ourney together,鈥� not to be a mere rhetorical expression but an authentic pastoral experience.鈥�