Pope Francis sends a message to participants in the Waldesian church synod, and encourages Catholics and Waldesians to pursue the ecumenical path of full communion in Christ.
By Devin Watkins
Representatives of the Waldesian Church are holding their annual Synod in the northern Italian town of Torre Pellice on 22-25 August.
The pastors and heads of local churches will meet to discuss relations with the Italian state and ecumenical bodies, while examining issues about liturgical norms and administration, according to their website.
Improving relations
As the Synod prepared to meet, Pope Francis sent his “fraternal greetings” on Saturday, in a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
The Pope expressed his joy for the “reciprocal recognition which is improving relations between Waldesians and Catholics.”
Path of full communion
He also assured those gathered in Torre Pellice of his prayers for the Synod.
“May all Christians strive to continue generously along the path of full communion, witnessing to the joy of the Gospel and promoting values of justice, peace, and solidarity, with special attention to those who are most disadvantaged or discarded” he prayed.
In conclusion, the Pope prayed for God’s blessing upon the work of the Waldesian Synod.
