Pope Leo XIV urged the Catholic Church in Asia to build bridges through a deep Eucharistic spirituality. This message was sent within the framework of the XII Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences.
Through a video message projected on the afternoon of July 25, the Holy Father
greeted the more than 150 bishops, clergy, religious, and lay delegates present. He expressed his spiritual closeness while reflecting on the future of the Church's mission in the region.
Roots of solidarity
Leo XIV referred to his recent encyclical Magnificent Humanity. He reminded the attendees that Christian solidarity has its roots in Christ and is nourished through the practice of the sacraments.
“I wrote that Christian solidarity finds its source in the mystery of Christ and emerges from our communion in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist,” he stated.
For this reason, the Bishop of Rome directly encouraged the prelates and asked them to continue fostering this spiritual practice within each of their local churches.
“It is a spirituality of ecclesial unity grounded in the charity that flows from the gift of our Lord in the Eucharist,” he explained about this theological concept.
Building bridges
The Pontiff noted that a stronger Eucharistic life will consolidate communion both in the dioceses and among the Asian churches. This will allow for a more credible testimony of the Gospel.
“It is my hope that the bonds of communion will be strengthened and become an ever greater sign of the presence of God, which will help you to be builders of bridges,” he indicated.
This vision connected with the central theme of the assembly, focused on synodal conversion. Participants emphasized the need for communion to fulfill their mission in societies with cultural and religious diversity.
At the conclusion of his message, he entrusted the deliberations to the Virgin Mary. “I gladly invoke upon you the gifts of the Lord of wisdom and strength,” he finished.
