Pope Leo XIV calls Asian bishops to strengthen unity through Eucharistic spirituality at the FABC Assembly in Jakarta, emphasizing communion.
Newsroom (25/07/2026 Gaudium Press ) In a message marked by theological depth and pastoral urgency, Pope Leo XIV addressed bishops and Church leaders gathered in Jakarta for the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), urging them to deepen ecclesial unity rooted in Christ and expressed through the Eucharist.
“As you gather to discuss the important issues affecting the life and future of the Catholic Church in Asia, I assure you of my spiritual closeness,” the Pope said in a video message delivered Saturday. He added that he is praying “that the Holy Spirit will inspire and guide your time together.”
The Assembly, taking place from July 20 to 26 in Indonesia’s capital, brings together bishops and Church representatives from across Asia to reflect on the Church’s mission in a diverse and rapidly changing region. At the heart of their deliberations is a theme drawn from the Gospel of John: “You will see greater things” (Jn 1:50).
Christ at the Center of Communion
Reflecting on the scriptural foundation of the Assembly’s theme, Pope Leo XIV pointed to Jesus’ encounter with Philip and Nathanael as a moment that reveals Christ’s unique role as mediator between God and humanity.
“In calling Philip and Nathanael to follow Him and become His disciples, our Lord alludes to Himself as the unique mediator between God and humanity (cf. Jn 1:51),” the Pope said.
He emphasized that this mediation is not merely theological but deeply relational, shaping the Church’s identity and mission. “As His disciples today, we know that Jesus is not only the source of our communion with God, but also with one another,” he added.
Eucharistic Spirituality and Solidarity
Central to the Pope’s message was a call to renew commitment to what he described as a “Eucharistic spirituality” — a lived expression of unity grounded in the sacramental life of the Church.
Drawing from his encyclical Magnifica humanitas, which addresses safeguarding the human person in the age of artificial intelligence, Pope Leo XIV reiterated that “Christian solidarity finds its source in the mystery of Christ and emerges from our communion in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist.”
He encouraged the bishops to actively promote this spirituality within their local Churches, describing it as essential to fostering deeper ecclesial bonds. “I would like to encourage you to continue to promote a Eucharistic spirituality within your local Churches, that is, a spirituality of ecclesial unity grounded in the charity that flows from the gift of our Lord in the Eucharist,” he said.
A Call to Be Bridge-Builders
The Pope linked Eucharistic unity with the broader mission of the Church in Asia, a region marked by cultural, religious, and social diversity. Strengthened internal communion, he suggested, naturally leads to outward witness.
“In this way, it is my hope that the bonds of communion within and between the local Churches will be strengthened and become an ever greater sign of God’s presence in your various countries,” he said.
Such unity, he added, equips the Church to serve as a force for connection and reconciliation: “which in turn will help you be bridge-builders together throughout Asia.”
Prayer and Blessing
Concluding his message, Pope Leo XIV entrusted the Assembly and its deliberations to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invoking her as Mother of the Church. He prayed that participants would be granted wisdom and fortitude in their discussions and decisions.
“And may the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit come down on you and remain with you for ever. Amen.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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