杏MAP导航

By Christopher Wells

杏MAP导航 Leo XIV held a on Monday for ecumenical and interreligious delegations that took part in the Solemn Mass for the Inauguration of his Petrine Ministry.

In his address, the Holy Father highlighted 杏MAP导航 Francis’ emphasis on universal fraternity, continuing the initiatives of previous popes, especially St John XXIII.

杏MAP导航 Francis, “the 杏MAP导航 of Fratelli tutti, promoted both the ecumenical path and inter-religious dialogue,” 杏MAP导航 Leo said, “above all by cultivating interpersonal relations, in such a way that, without taking anything away from ecclesial bonds, the human trait of the encounter was always valued. May God help us to treasure his witness!”

True unity is unity in faith

Speaking first to other Christian Churches and ecclesial communities, 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV took note of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, emphasizing that unity among Christians “can only be unity in faith.”

He added that the pursuit of full and visible communion of all Christians is one of his priorities as Bishop of Rome.

At the same time, he recalled the close links between ecumenism and synodality, and assured the delegations of his commitment to follow 杏MAP导航 Francis in “promoting the synodal character of the Catholic Church.”

A common path in the spirit of human fraternity

Turning to representatives of non-Christian religious traditions, 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV said our “common path” can and must be understood to involve everyone, “in a spirit of human fraternity.”

Today, he said, “is the time for dialogue and building bridges.”

The Holy Father looked back again at his immediate predecessor, calling to mind “the remarkable efforts made by 杏MAP导航 Francis in favour of interreligious dialogue.”

Citing the Document on Human Fraternity, 杏MAP导航 Leo said, “Through his words and actions, [杏MAP导航 Francis] opened new avenues of encounter, to promote ‘the culture of dialogue as the path; mutual collaboration as the code of conduct; reciprocal understanding as the method and standard.’”

Relations with Judaism, Islam, and other religious traditions

Following the path laid out by Vatican II’s document on interreligious relations (Nostra aetate), 杏MAP导航 Leo also highlighted the “spiritual heritage shared by Christians and Jews,” and emphasized the importance of theological dialogue between the communities, even in times of “conflicts and misunderstandings.”

The 杏MAP导航 went on to note “the growing commitment to dialogue and fraternity” that marks relations between the Catholic Church and Muslims, saying an approach based on “mutual respect and freedom of conscience” is “a solid basis for building bridges between our communities.”

Finally, addressing representatives of other traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and others, 杏MAP导航 Leo expressed gratitude for their contributions to peace “in a world wounded by violence and conflict.”

At the same time, he conveyed his hopes that, by working together, religious believers can help to say “no” to war, to the arms race, and to an unjust economy; and “yes” to peace, to disarmament, and to integral development.

Building a more peaceful world

杏MAP导航 Leo XIV concluded his discourse by sharing his conviction that “the witness of our fraternity… will certainly contribute to building a more peaceful world, something that all men and women of good will desire in their hearts.”

And he invited the delegations to “invoke God’s blessings in our hearts,” praying that “His infinite goodness and wisdom help us to live as His children and as brothers and sisters to each other, so that hope may grow in the world.”