Recently, on January 20, Pope Francis welcomed an ecumenical delegation from Finland at the Apostolic Palace in Rome. The delegation was on a pilgrimage to commemorate the feast of St. Henry, the patron saint of Finland. This event served as a unifying force for Christians from different Churches and ecclesial communities, bringing them together in worship and praise of God.
Priority of Prayer for Peace
In his address, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of not ceasing to pray for the gift of peace, acknowledging its precious yet fragile nature. He highlighted the continuous need for intercession and efforts to uphold peace. The Pope specifically urged the delegation comprising Catholics, Orthodox, and Lutherans, led by Archbishop Elias of Helsinki, to join in prayer for peace.
Walking Together in Hope
Pope Francis also emphasized that in this Holy Year 2025, all Christians are pilgrims of hope. Quoting from the Letter to the Hebrews, he encouraged believers to hold fast to their hope without wavering, as God is faithful to His promises. St. Henry, known for promoting peace, serves as a beacon of hope, urging everyone to pray earnestly for the fragile gift of peace.
Ecumenical Unity through Music and the Creed
The Pope reflected on the unity fostered through faith, recognizing St. Henry as a symbol of divine unity that brings Christians of various traditions together to honor the Lord. He expressed gratitude to the choirs accompanying the pilgrimage, emphasizing the profound connection between singing and prayer, a beautiful expression of ecumenism.
Speaking about shared faith, Pope Francis hailed the Nicene Creed as an extraordinary testament of faith that unites all Christians. This creed centers on Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s immense love. The Pope described it as a symphony of truth that instills unwavering hope in believers.
A Call to Be Witnesses of Incarnate Love
Concluding the gathering, Pope Francis urged attendees to embody God’s love in their daily lives, emphasizing that this is the true ecumenical calling of Christians. The audience concluded with a collective recitation of the Our Father, symbolizing unity in faith and love for God.
This meeting underscores the significance of unity and continual prayer for peace, reaffirming that hope in Christ remains steadfast and propels Christians towards a future marked by fraternity and peace.
