His Holiness Pope Francis wants WCC assembly that strengthens bonds between churches

His Holiness Pope Francis, sent greetings to the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly as it opened.

1 September 2022, Karslruhe, Germany: Cardinal Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity (Roman Catholic Church) delivers greetings from Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church to the WCC 11th Assembly during its first thematic plenary, focused on Care for Creation. The 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches is held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme "Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity."

Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC

His Holiness Pope Francis wished the representatives of the churches at the 31 August to 8 September assembly "a meaningful and fruitful meeting that deepens and strengthens the bonds of communion between the Churches and the ecumenical organizations present."

The pontiff said in advance greetings that he has a "pastoral interest in the work of the Assembly."

Pope Francis also noted that the Catholic Church has sent "delegated observers" to WCC assemblies since the WCC 3rd Assembly took place in New Delhi in 1961.

"I am glad that a delegation is also present this year, a sign of the strong relationship between the Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches that has consolidated over time," the Pope said.

Francis referenced the assembly theme, "Christ's love moves the world to reconciliation and unity." He said Christians must have a common witness to the Gospel to address injustice and division in the world, not only among churches but also among religions, cultures, peoples, nations, and the entire human family. 

"Our mission as Christians is to bring the fulfilment of this reconciliation to the world, with the Church being the instrument and visible sign of the unity to which God calls all people," Francis said.

The Pope addressed unity among the world's churches as necessary for reconciliation in other areas. "Reconciliation among Christians is the fundamental prerequisite for the credible mission of the Church," he explained. "Ecumenism and Mission belong together and interrelate."

Message of His Holiness Pope Francis to the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches

Livestream of the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany

Photos of the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany

WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany

This report was originally published on oikoumene.org (World Council of Churches) website.