Welcoming German-speaking theology students to the Vatican on Friday, Pope Francis emphasizes the important contribution of religions in building a brotherly and just world.
By Vatican News staff reporter
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, German-speaking students who had to take part in a year of theological study at the Abbey of the Assumption in Jerusalem were unable to attend. So, instead of going to the Holy Land, thirty students were hosted by the Pontifical Athenaeum Sant’Anselmo in Rome.
This change of plan also meant that on Friday, they were able to meet with the Pope at the Vatican.
Greeting the students, Pope Francis told them that in this year of study or A theological university, “It is an opportunity for Catholic and Protestant theological students to learn about biblical sites and to meet the Eastern Churches, as well as the Jewish and Islamic world.”
“Even if you can’t experience the Holy Land this year,” he continued, “ecumenism and interfaith dialogue will always remain a hallmark of your program.”
God’s presence in society
The pope stressed that, as students of theology, they have witnessed for their fellow men and “for men and women today the importance of God in their lives and the fullness of a living faith.”
He said: “It will be your task to enter into a dialogue with a world where there seems to be less and less room for religion. It is a task that we share with all believers of different religions, knowing that making God present is good for our societies. “
Religions and fraternity
Quote from his recent encyclical All brothers, Pope Francis stressed that, as believers, “we are convinced that religions make an important contribution to building brotherhood and defending justice in society. On the other hand, we believe that when, for various reasons, people want to take God out of society, they end up worshiping idols and man is soon on his way. ”
The pope expressed hope that their year of theological study would contribute to “their formative, spiritual and human journey.” Finally, looking ahead to Christmas, Pope Francis recalled that “in spirit, we will all be pilgrims to the cave of Bethlehem,” urging them to be “witnesses of God-with-us.”