Pope Leo XIV invoked the Holy Spirit’s guidance, urging Christians to deepen their fellowship and pursue the unity “the Lord so ardently desires among His followers.”
Newsroom (22/08/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a heartfelt message to participants of the 2025 Ecumenical Week in Stockholm, Pope Leo XIV invoked the Holy Spirit’s guidance, urging Christians to deepen their fellowship and pursue the unity “the Lord so ardently desires among His followers.” The event, held from August 18–24, commemorates the centenary of the 1925 Universal Christian Conference on Life and Work and the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325.
A Shared Faith Binding Christians
Reflecting on the historic Council of Nicaea, Pope Leo highlighted its enduring significance, noting that the bishops gathered in 325 affirmed Jesus Christ’s divinity, declaring Him “true God from true God” and “consubstantial” (homoousios) with the Father. “They articulated the faith that continues to bind Christians together,” the Pope said, describing the council as “a courageous sign of unity amidst difference” and an early testament to the power of shared confession to overcome division.
The Pope also acknowledged the legacy of the 1925 Stockholm Conference, convened by Archbishop Nathan Söderblom, a pioneer of the ecumenical movement and then-Lutheran Archbishop of Uppsala. While the Catholic Church was absent from that gathering, Pope Leo expressed gratitude for the progress made since, stating, “I can affirm, with humility and joy, that we stand with you today as fellow disciples of Christ, recognizing that what unites us is far greater than what divides us.”
Catholic Commitment to Ecumenism
The Holy Father emphasized the Catholic Church’s dedication to ecumenism since the Second Vatican Council, particularly through its decree Unitatis Redintegratio, which called for dialogue rooted in “humble and loving fraternity.” He stressed that Christian unity must be visible, fostered through theological dialogue, shared worship where possible, and collective witness in addressing global suffering. “We believe that the unity Christ wills for His Church must be visible,” Pope Leo said.
A Call for Peace in a Troubled World
The theme of this year’s Ecumenical Week, “Time for God’s Peace,” resonated deeply in the Pope’s message. Against the backdrop of global challenges—conflict, inequality, environmental degradation, and spiritual disconnection—Pope Leo described peace as “not merely a human achievement, but a sign of the Lord’s presence with us.” He urged Christians to become “artisans of reconciliation,” confronting division with courage, indifference with compassion, and healing where there is hurt.
A Promise and a Task
Concluding his message, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to the ecumenical journey, citing recent milestones as evidence of growing unity. He called for continued prayer and collaboration, emphasizing that the mission of reconciliation is both a divine promise and a shared responsibility for all Christians.
As the Ecumenical Week unfolds in Stockholm, the Pope’s words serve as a clarion call for unity, peace, and shared witness in a world yearning for hope.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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