Pope: Mission of ecumenism is to be witnesses for Christ

June 21, 2024 at 1:44 p.m.
Pope Francis meets with a delegation of the Lutheran World Federation during a private audience at the Vatican June 20, 2024. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Pope Francis meets with a delegation of the Lutheran World Federation during a private audience at the Vatican June 20, 2024. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) (Vatican Media)

By CAROL GLATZ
Osv News

VATICAN CITY – Jesus Christ is the heart of ecumenism, Pope Francis told leaders and representatives of the Lutheran World Federation.

"He is divine mercy incarnate, and our ecumenical mission is to be a witness for him," the Pope said.

The Pope met with: Danish Lutheran Bishop Henrik Stubkjær, the federation's president; Rev. Anne Burghardt, the federation's general secretary; regional delegates; and other representatives during an audience at the Vatican June 20.

He called their meeting "an important gesture of ecumenical fraternity" and recalled the progress Lutherans and Catholics have made over the years in understanding each other, including the "Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification," which provided a common basis for understanding how people are justified and saved.

That declaration was signed 25 years ago, he said, expressing his hope that this important anniversary would be "celebrated in our communities as a celebration of hope."

"Let us remember that our common spiritual origin is 'one baptism for the forgiveness of sins,'" according to the Nicene Creed, and "let us continue with confidence as 'pilgrims of hope,'" the Pope said, referencing the theme for the Holy Year 2025.

"May the God of hope be with us and continue to accompany our dialogue of truth and charity with his blessing," he said.


Related Stories

VATICAN CITY – Jesus Christ is the heart of ecumenism, Pope Francis told leaders and representatives of the Lutheran World Federation.

"He is divine mercy incarnate, and our ecumenical mission is to be a witness for him," the Pope said.

The Pope met with: Danish Lutheran Bishop Henrik Stubkjær, the federation's president; Rev. Anne Burghardt, the federation's general secretary; regional delegates; and other representatives during an audience at the Vatican June 20.

He called their meeting "an important gesture of ecumenical fraternity" and recalled the progress Lutherans and Catholics have made over the years in understanding each other, including the "Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification," which provided a common basis for understanding how people are justified and saved.

That declaration was signed 25 years ago, he said, expressing his hope that this important anniversary would be "celebrated in our communities as a celebration of hope."

"Let us remember that our common spiritual origin is 'one baptism for the forgiveness of sins,'" according to the Nicene Creed, and "let us continue with confidence as 'pilgrims of hope,'" the Pope said, referencing the theme for the Holy Year 2025.

"May the God of hope be with us and continue to accompany our dialogue of truth and charity with his blessing," he said.

Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Director of missions shares importance of World Mission Sunday
World Mission Sunday will be celebrated this year on the weekend...

Helping the Church where it is young, suffering and threatened
As we gather in communion this World Mission Sunday, I extend to you a heartfelt...

Pope says he hopes for 'reconciled differences' among Christians
Pope Francis called on divided Christians to overcome their...

Pope Francis' memoir to be published in January, publisher announces
An Italian publisher announced the global release in January of "Hope," ...

In November, two Sundays are devoted to prayer for persecuted Christians around world
A number of organizations are inviting faithful to pray for persecuted...


The Evangelist, 40 North Main Ave., Albany, NY, 12203-1422 | PHONE: 518-453-6688| FAX: 518-453-8448
© 2024 Trenton Monitor, All Rights Reserved.