To commemorate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Pope Francis met with groups of Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox Christians in Finland and encouraged them to journey together as a “pilgrimage church”.
Written by Joseph Tulloch
Every year, Pope Francis welcomes an ecumenical delegation from Finland, made up of Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox Christians, to the Vatican.
This year’s visit, as usual, took place during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and included an exchange of gifts and comments.
Saints as a Source of Unity
Pope Francis began by thanking Evangelical Lutheran Bishop Åstrand “sincerely” for his reflection “in which he referred to the witness of the saints and the broader ecumenical spirit.”
He said he “thanked God” to hear that because “there was a time when the veneration of saints seemed to be a source of division rather than unity.”
The Pope noted that the Finnish delegation mentioned “some of the great saints of Northern Europe: Birgitta, Henrik and Olaf,” adding that “the 1000th anniversary of St. Olaf’s death in 2030 will mark the occasion of unity and our journey.” This will be a gift to the entire ecumenical movement if it can stimulate and deepen our prayers together.”
pilgrim’s church
Pope Francis also said he was struck by Bishop Åstrand’s reflections on the “importance of travel” and the “pilgrimage church.”
“As members of the baptized community, we are certainly on a journey with Jesus Christ as our common goal,” the Pope said.
“The goal is neither far off nor unattainable,” he stressed.
“He drew near to us in the Incarnation and made Himself the Way, so that we can safely navigate through the crossroads and misguided paths we face in this world.”
Ecumenism of the poor and forgotten
The Pope went on to thank the Finnish delegation for their presence and said: “This meeting with you is a living sign during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.”
“Let us ensure that this annual ecumenical encounter continues to flourish and expand,” he added.
During the Week of Prayer, Pope Francis vowed to “always welcome our poor and forgotten brothers and sisters,” including “those who feel abandoned by God or who have strayed from the path of faith and hope.” He particularly emphasized the importance of
The Pope concluded his address by inviting those in attendance to recite the Lord’s Prayer together in their native languages.
Finland’s Ecumenical Delegation and Pope Francis