In a message sent to the Taizé community, Pope Francis remembered their founder, Brother Roger, as «a tireless witness of the gospel of peace and reconciliation.»
The Holy Father’s message was sent to the community as they mark three significant anniversaries: the 75th anniversary of its foundation; the 100th anniversary of Brother Roger’s birth and the 10th anniversary of his death.
Founded in 1940 by Brother Roger Schütz, the Taizé community is an ecumenical monastic group composed of over a hundred brothers from Protestant and Catholic traditions. An estimated 100,000 youth attend pilgrimages organized by the community «for prayer, Bible study, sharing, and communal work.» Brother Roger was stabbed to death by a mentally ill woman during an evening prayer service in 2005.
In his message, the Pope described Brother Roger as one who «passionately sought the unity of the Church, the Body of Christ.»
«Through the perseverance that he has demonstrated during his long life, [Brother Roger] has helped to change relations between Christians who are still separated, tracing for many a path of reconciliation,» he wrote.
The 78-year-old Pontiff also recalled the Taizé founder’s work with young people, the poor and the disadvantaged, helping them to «feel respected and supported in their spiritual search.»
Concluding his letter, Pope Francis gave thanks to God for Brother Roger’s life and encouraged the Taizé community to maintain «the strong witness he gave to the risen Christ and the call he constantly renewed to ‘choose to love.'»
