Pope Leo XIV extended a warm welcome to Eastern Catholics at the Vatican, greeting them with the traditional Easter proclamation, “Christ is risen! He is truly risen!” He expressed his deep joy in dedicating one of the first encounters of his papacy to the Eastern Churches, emphasizing their spiritual significance and enduring contributions to the universal Church.
The Pope acknowledged the rich heritage and spiritual depth of the Eastern traditions, highlighting their historical roots and the resilience of their communities in the face of persecution and hardship. He emphasized the importance of preserving their unique customs, especially those that convey a deep sense of mystery, penance, and spirituality. Recalling the teachings of Leo XIII and St. John Paul II, he underscored the vital role that Eastern Christians play in maintaining the Church’s spiritual integrity.
Pope Leo urged the Dicastery for Eastern Churches to establish guidelines to help Latin bishops support Eastern Catholics living outside their traditional homelands. He emphasized the necessity of ensuring that displaced and migrant Eastern Christians retain their cultural and religious identity, even as they integrate into predominantly Latin communities.
Expressing concern for Eastern Christians displaced by conflict, the Pope lamented the losses experienced by those who have been forced to leave their homelands. He referred to their suffering as a profound witness of faith, likening them to “martyr Churches” that continue to stand firm in regions plagued by violence. He emphasized the importance of respecting their rights to remain in their native lands with dignity and security.
Addressing the broader international community, Pope Leo appealed for dialogue and reconciliation, urging leaders to seek peaceful solutions rather than resorting to violence. He stressed that war is not inevitable and called for conversations rooted in forgiveness and the willingness to begin anew. The Pope also expressed solidarity with journalists imprisoned for reporting the truth, commending their courage and advocating for their release.
The Pope spoke passionately about the spiritual treasures of the Eastern Churches, describing their rich traditions as essential to the life of the Church. He called on Eastern Christians to remain steadfast in their practices, preserving their rites and customs as a powerful countercultural witness in a secular world. He highlighted the value of Eastern spirituality in uniting human suffering with the hope of divine mercy, urging them to maintain their commitment to prayer, fasting, and penance.
In his concluding remarks, Pope Leo encouraged Eastern pastors to foster integrity and fraternity within their communities, making them places of unity, spiritual renewal, and mutual support. He called for a renewed focus on evangelical witness and the common good, emphasizing the need for all Christians to remain free from worldly distractions and attachments.
Pope Leo XIV’s address underscored his commitment to safeguarding the spiritual and cultural identity of Eastern Christians while promoting unity, justice, and reconciliation throughout the Church and the world.
Originally Reported here. Video Courtesy of Vatican News.
