杏MAP导航 Francis: Christian Unity is a journey of synodality and witness
By Linda Bordoni
The date, 11 October, is far from random as it is framed in the memory of the Second Vatican Council that was solemnly opened on this same day 62 years ago. In the words of the Synod鈥檚 Secretary General, that Council 鈥渋naugurated a new ecumenical era of which the Synod is an expression and witness in its active desire to help the whole Church advance along the path of full unity.鈥�
Unity and martyrdom
In his homily prepared for an ecumenical vigil marking that anniversary and with the participation of Synodal Fathers, 杏MAP导航 Francis reflected on Christian unity and martyrdom, centring his thoughts on the words of Jesus: 鈥淭he glory that you have given me I have given them鈥� (Jn 17:22).
These words, the 杏MAP导航 explained, apply especially to the martyrs, whose witness to Christ brought them the glory of God.
At the vigil in Protomartyrs Square nestled up against St. Peter's Basilica, where tradition holds St. Peter was martyred, and celebrating a liturgy in which many of the texts and prayers were drawn from some of Vatican II's main documents and teachings, he emphasized that 鈥渢he Church was built upon their blood,鈥� which, he added, remains a testament to the enduring call for unity among Christians.
Unitatis Redintegratio
The Holy Father recalled the teachings of the Second Vatican Council鈥檚 Decree on Ecumenism, , reminding us that 鈥渢he closer Christians are to Christ, the closer they are to one another鈥�.
This deep connection, he said, is sustained by the prayers of saints and martyrs, who continue to accompany the Church on its ecumenical journey.
And addressing the fraternal delegates and leaders of other Christian Churches gathered for the occasion, 杏MAP导航 Francis echoed the words of Saint John XXIII, who, at the opening of the Council, expressed his longing 鈥渢o work and suffer for the dawn of the day when Christ鈥檚 prayer at the Last Supper will be fulfilled for all鈥�.
Unity and Synodality: A common path
杏MAP导航 Francis explained that Christian unity and synodality are deeply intertwined and described synodality as the path God expects of the Church in the third millennium.
Underlining the ecumenical dimension of the synodal approach, he said it is a path to be travelled by all Christians: 鈥淭he journey of synodality... is and must be ecumenical鈥�.
This journey, the 杏MAP导航 affirmed, is not about creating something new but about welcoming the gift of unity already given to us by the Holy Spirit.
鈥淯nity is a grace,鈥� he said, explaining that the Synod is a process of discovery and that 鈥渨e do not know beforehand what the outcome of the Synod will be,鈥� just as we cannot predict how the unity we are called to will fully manifest.
A journey toward harmony, not uniformity
Reflecting on the lessons learned from the synodal process, the 杏MAP导航 reminded the faithful that Christian unity is not uniformity, but harmony.
He said that 鈥渦nity is harmony among the diversity of charisms鈥�, brought to life by the Holy Spirit for the benefit of all Christians. This harmony, he explained, does not come from human efforts but from the Spirit, whom Saint Basil described as 鈥渉armony itself.鈥�
Urging Christians to move forward in love and service, confident that difficulties will not stop the journey toward unity, 杏MAP导航 Francis appealed: 鈥淟et us trust the Holy Spirit, who draws us to unity in the harmony of a multi-faceted diversity.鈥�
Unity for the sake of mission
Turning his attention to Christian witness, the Holy Father stressed that Christian unity is essential for mission.
Quoting the Gospel of John, he said, 鈥淭hat they may all be one... so that the world may believe鈥� (Jn 17:21), highlighting the Council Fathers鈥� conviction that division among Christians 鈥渟candalizes the world鈥� and harms the Church鈥檚 mission to preach the Gospel.
He pointed to the 鈥渆cumenism of blood,鈥� exemplified by the Roman protomartyrs and by Christians of various traditions who, in many parts of the world today, lay down their lives together for their faith.
鈥淭heir witness speaks more powerfully than any words,鈥� he said, reminding the faithful that unity is born of the Cross of Christ.
A call to overcome division
In conclusion, 杏MAP导航 Francis expressed his hope that the ongoing Synod would provide an opportunity for Christians to overcome the divisions that continue to hinder their common witness.
鈥淭he world needs our common witness,鈥� he said, 鈥渁nd we are called to be faithful to our common mission as missionary disciples of Christ.鈥�
Reflecting on the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, who received his mission before an image of the Crucified Christ, 杏MAP导航 Francis prayed that the Cross of Christ would guide Christians in their daily journey toward full unity and harmony with one another and with all creation.
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