In yet another sign of ecumenism, Pope Francis and other Christian leaders arrived in the same van at the Ecumenical Centre. Upon his arrival, the Holy Father greeted these Christians from both Koreas.
In his opening address, the WCC general secretary spoke of the momentum that ecumenism is gaining in the world today, which he said is due in large part to the efforts of Pope Francis.
DR. OLAF FYKSE TVIET
WCC General Secretary
“You have in many ways through your ministry shown your commitment to this holy ministry of unity, serving justice and peace, going outside the comfort zones of the Church. Your leadership is a strong sign of how we can find expressions of this unity in diakonia and mission, 'walking, praying and working together.'”
The WCC No. 2 mentioned the meaning behind many attendees' black attire: a show of solidarity for women exploited worldwide.
DR. AGNES ABUOM
WCC Moderator
“Not because we disregard and disrespect the color black, but because one of the greatest scenes that faces us in the world is rape and violence against women. We are saying, 'No! Enough is enough!'”
The pope spoke on the symbolism of the WCC 70th anniversary by recalling a Gospel verse in which God says to forgive others “seventy times seven.”
POPE FRANCIS
“That number, of course, does not serve as a limit, but opens up a vast horizon; it does not quantify justice, but serves as the measure of a charity capable of infinite forgiveness. After centuries of conflict, that charity now allows us to come together as brothers and sisters, at peace and full of gratitude to God our Father.”
Pope Francis also urged churches to not lose sight of the origins of mission in the midst of a humanist modern climate.
POPE FRANCIS
“We would not be faithful to the mission entrusted to us, were we to debase this treasure to a purely immanent humanism, adapted to the fashion of the moment. Nor would we be good guardians if we tried only to preserve it, burying it for fear of the world and its challenges.”
While unity among churches has grown, the Holy Father urged Christians to increase efforts to combat something else that threatens to divide: persecution against their brothers and sisters.
POPE FRANCIS
“Let us also look to our many brothers and sisters in various parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East, who suffer because they are Christians. Let us draw close to them. May we never forget that our ecumenical journey is preceded and accompanied by an ecumenism already realized, the ecumenism of blood, which urges us to go forward.”
To conclude the ceremony, those present sang a rendition of the “Our Father” in French.
Before leaving to preside over Mass, the pope greeted four members of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches, as well as the eight WCC presidents.
