Dear brothers and sisters, today we reflect together on something that touches us deeply as a faith community: the universal vocation of the Church and the urgent need for dialogue in a world that often seems divided. This reflection comes from a recent meeting at the Vatican, where Pope Leo XIV received a delegation from the Archdiocese of Cologne, celebrating half a century of an initiative that promotes precisely this: the universal Church and dialogue.
In this Easter season, when the joy of the Resurrection fills our hearts, we remember that the risen Christ sends us to all nations—not to impose, but to lovingly witness to the truth that sets us free. As Jesus says in Matthew 28:19:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (NIV).This missionary mandate is not just for a few; it is the very heartbeat of the Church.
Dialogue That Builds Bridges, Not Walls
Pope Leo XIV emphasized that dialogue strengthens communion and opens paths of understanding. In a world where differences often lead to conflict, the Church is called to be a space of genuine encounter. This does not mean relativizing truth, but presenting it with humility and respect, as 1 Peter 3:15 reminds us:
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (NIV).
The Archdiocese of Cologne has been a pioneer in this regard. Since 1954, it established a link with the Archdiocese of Tokyo, the first such collaboration in Germany. It also promoted initiatives like Misereor and Adveniat, which bring solidarity beyond European borders. These actions teach us that faith is not a private matter, but translates into concrete acts of love for neighbor, regardless of culture or language.
The Church as a Sign of Unity in Diversity
When we speak of universality, we do not mean a boring uniformity. On the contrary, the Church celebrates diversity as a gift of the Holy Spirit. In Revelation 7:9 we read:
"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb" (NIV).That vision reminds us that our goal is unity in Christ, not cultural homogeneity.
Lessons from History: The Example of Cologne
The history of the Archdiocese of Cologne inspires us. Under the leadership of Cardinal Josef Frings and Vicar General Josef Teusch, they dared to dream of a Church that transcends borders. Their vision led to the creation of the Diocesan Office for the Universal Church and Dialogue, which remains a beacon of hope today. What can we learn from them? That authentic faith always seeks encounter, not isolation.
For us in our daily lives, this might mean reaching out to a neighbor from another Christian tradition, listening to someone who thinks differently, or supporting missionary projects that bring Christ's love to distant places. As Galatians 3:28 says:
"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (NIV).
A Call to Action: Being a Church on the Move
Pope Francis, who went to the Father in April 2025, left us a legacy of a Church on the move, unafraid to get its hands dirty on the existential peripheries. His successor, Leo XIV, continues that path, reminding us that dialogue and mission go hand in hand. It is not just about words, but concrete actions: welcoming the migrant, defending the oppressed, caring for creation.
I invite you
Comments