«The Holy Father hopes that the differences between Catholics and Waldensians will not impede finding ways of collaboration in the ambit of evangelization, of service to the poor, to the sick, to immigrants and in the safeguarding of Creation.»
Pope Francis’ desire was expressed in a telegram, signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on the Pope’s behalf, to the Methodist and Waldensian (Valdese) churches yesterday on occasion of their Synod in Turin, Italy this week.
In the telegram, the Pontiff expressed his spiritual closeness to the participants and his greetings.
Assuring them of his prayers, Francis invoked the Lord’s gifts «to walk with serenity of heart towards full communion, to witness Christ effectively to the whole of humanity,» and to encounter, together, the men and women of today «to transmit to them the heart of the Gospel.»
Pope Francis concluded, praying that the Holy Spirit helps us live «that communion that precedes every opposition and obtain for us from the Lord His Mercy and His Peace.»
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On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full Message: https://zenit.org/articles/papal-message-to-waldensian-methodist-synod/
