Thanks for the support to the Peruvian diocese of Chiclayo
during the pandemic and thoughts for Christians in the Middle East
Persevere in the mission of charity “fostering solidarity and bearing witness to the Gospel of peace in a world characterized by division and suffering”. This is the delivery entrusted by Leo Here is our translation of the Pope’s speech in English.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you!
Good morning and welcome!
I cordially greet you on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the foundation of Weltkirche & Dialogan institution known today as the Diocesan Office for the Universal Church and Dialogue. Your visit takes place during the Easter season, in which the whole Church rejoices in the Resurrection of the Lord and renews its hope in the new life that arises from the Paschal Mystery.
This is an appropriate opportunity to reflect on the universality of the Church and the importance of dialogue. In the light of the Resurrection of Christ, the Church recognizes itself as sent to all peoples, not imposing itself, but giving testimony to the truth in charity. Dialogue, in turn, strengthens communion, opens paths of understanding and serves the cause of peace. In this way, Christ draws all things to himself and makes the Church a sign of unity and hope for the world.
Precisely these elements are deeply rooted in the history of your Archdiocese, which has demonstrated a prophetic openness to the universal dimension of the church, expressed through willingness to meet, mutual exchange and dialogue between peoples and cultures. Under the leadership of His Eminence Cardinal Josef Frings and the Vicar General, the Reverend Josef Teush, in 1954 the Archdiocese of Cologne established a partnership with the Archdiocese of Tokyo, the first of its kind in Germany. They have also been pioneers in initiating vital welfare initiatives such as Misereor And Adveniatthus laying the foundation for the establishment of Weltkirche-Weltmission in 1976. This vision of the Church as truly universal — called to solidarity beyond the borders of Europe and supported through a culture of dialogue — remains at the very core of your organization’s identity.
Moved by this very spirit, the Archdiocese of Cologne became a founding member of the Union of Aid Works for the Eastern Churches (ROACO) and, over the years, has provided assistance to regions affected by famine, floods, war and other crises. Furthermore, the Archdiocese maintains supportive relationships with other churches in over one hundred countries, with particular attention to the Middle East and the Eastern Churches, also offering scholarships for priestly training and assistance to elderly priests. I might add here that when I was bishop in Peru, in Chiclayo, the Archdiocese of Cologne also gave strong support to many different initiatives, even helping to purchase oxygen-generating machines, which saved the lives of many people. And people today are still grateful for that support.
In the face of this rich legacy, I express sincere gratitude for the many initiatives in which you continue to be engaged. Through your generous service, the universal dimension of the Church is made visible and concrete, promoting solidarity, strengthening bonds of unity and bearing witness to the Gospel of peace in a world very often characterized by division and suffering. This testimony is needed today more than ever. Many of our Christian brothers and sisters have been forced to leave their country due to war, violence and poverty, and many are directly dependent on your commitment and kindness for their survival. Therefore, I encourage you to persevere in this mission of charity, so that they can continue to feel the closeness of the universal Church. In particular, I ask you to continue to support the presence of Christians in the Middle East, in order to ensure that those venerable traditions of the Eastern Churches are preserved, safeguarded and more widely known.
With these feelings I pray that these days of retreat, reflection and renewal in Rome will strengthen and encourage you. I entrust you and your loved ones to the maternal protection of Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church. As a pledge of my closeness, I willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing to you. Thank you.
