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Pope to Christians: 'Despite Our Differences, We Can Work Together'

In Message to Waldensian-Methodist Synod, Francis Expresses Hope That Efforts to Evangelize, Help Needy, Protect Creation Together Won’t Be Halted

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“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/
 

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Deborah Castellano Lubov

Deborah Castellano Lubov is Senior Vatican & Rome Correspondent for ZENIT; author of 'The Other Francis' ('L'Altro Francesco') featuring interviews with those closest to the Pope and preface by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin (currently published in 5 languages); Deborah is also NBC & MSNBC Vatican Analyst. She often covers the Pope's travels abroad, often from the Papal Flight (including for historic trips such as to Abu Dhabi and Japan & Thailand), and has also asked him questions on the return-flight press conference on behalf of the English-speaking press present. Lubov has done much TV & radio commentary, including for NBC, Sky, EWTN, BBC, Vatican Radio, AP, Reuters and more. She also has contributed to various books on the Pope and has written for various Catholic publications. For 'The Other Francis': http://www.gracewing.co.uk/page219.html or https://www.amazon.com/Other-Francis-Everything-They-about/dp/0852449348/

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