In January, after praying the Angelus, Pope Francis extended a special invitation to Christians of all denominations to come together and pray for work of the upcoming Synod on Synodality. Now, that invitation has been answered.
On the evening of September 30, as an initiative of the monastic Taizé community, people from around Europe will gather in Rome for a prayer vigil with Pope Francis. He will be joined by Christian leaders of many denominations.
BR. MATTHEW
Prior, Taizé Community
The response has been very beautiful.
There's more and more an awareness of a common journey which is there. Even if there is still differences and important differences which remain, there is a desire to learn from eachother.
The vigil will kickoff a weekend gathering of over 3,000 youth of different backgrounds and faiths to dialogue, attend workshops and see Rome together.
Sr. Nathalie Becquart, the Under-Secretary for the Synod, said this event is a testament to how the Synod is not just for Catholics, but for all Christians.
SR. NATHALIE BECQUART
Under-Secretary of the Synod
There is no synodality without ecumenism, no ecumenism without synodality.
A deep mission of the Church is to foster communion, unity, fraternity with all.
Taking place right before the official opening of the Synod, this vigil and gathering is one step further in Pope Francis' mission of putting ecumenism into action.
AT
