Pope Francis met with a delegation from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It was to mark the 1150th anniversary of the death of St. Cyril. He, together with St. Methodius, had evangelized those countries. They are both patrons of Europe.
The pope recalled how they entered into different cultures in order to evangelize people. He said it is not correct to think that the Church replaces local cultures.
POPE FRANCIS
“The Gospel, in fact, does not weaken what is authentic in different local cultures. However, it helps individuals and communities to recognize and do what is good, truthful and beautiful.” “It is about knowing how to live together in diversity. This is through dialogue, sharing, building bridges and breaking down the barriers of mistrust and prejudice.”
At the end of the meeting, Pope Francis affectionately greeted the representatives of both delegations. The pope, for the time being, has no plans to visit these countries. However, in the coming months, he will visit several Eastern European countries such as Romania, Bulgaria and Macedonia.
