Pope Francis dedicated Wednesday's General Audience to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which this year focuses on the story of St. Paul's shipwreck.
The Bible recounts how the people of Malta generously welcomed him. Pope Francis asked Christians to follow their example.
POPE FRANCIS
It means recognizing that other Christians are truly our brothers and sisters in Christ. Someone might say, 'But he's Protestant, he's Orthodox.' Yes, but we're brothers and sisters in Christ.
The pope said this demonstration of hospitality among Christians is a great witness which the Church must offer the world.
POPE FRANCIS
As Christians, we have to work together to show migrants God's love, revealed by Jesus Christ. Working together to live ecumenical hospitality, particularly in front of the most vulnerable, will make us—all Christians, Protestants, Orthodox, Catholics, all Christians—better human beings, better disciples and a more unified Christian community.
A humorous scene played out during the audience. This little boy wandered up and down the stairs while the summary of the pope's catechesis was being read in different languages. His antics got a smile from several people, including the German interpreter.
Javier Romero
Translation: Claudia Torres
