Pope Francis led the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The theme this year was “They showed us unusual kindness,” in memory of the hospitality shown to St. Paul in Malta.
Representatives of different Christian denominations were also present.
St. Timothy's remains were present at the ceremony. He accompanied St. Paul on his trips and was the recipient of two letters from the New Testament.
After vespers, the pope reminded those present that God's priority is the salvation of all people.
POPE FRANCIS
As in the story of the shipwreck of St. Paul, it is often the weakest people who carry the most important message of salvation. That's because God wanted it that way: to save us not with the strength of the world, but with the weakness of the cross. That's why, as disciples of Jesus, we must be careful not to be attracted to worldly logic. Rather, we must listen to the small and the poor.
During his homily, Pope Francis asked Catholics to be more welcoming among themselves, but also to Christians of other denominations.
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: Claudia Torres