Pope Leo Calls for Unity to the Delegation of the Lutheran World Federation

Pope Leo XIV met with a delegation from the Lutheran World Federation at the Vatican, asking Christians to bear witness to Christ and continue the ecumenical journey of grace.

Ecumenical Journey and Relations

During his audience with representatives of the Lutheran World Federation, Pope Leo XIV stated that Lutheran-Catholic relations have matured spiritually and theologically in recent years.

Stating that the ongoing international dialogue is currently in its sixth phase, the Pope emphasized that ecumenism is not a church diplomacy but a journey of grace.

Augsburg Confession and the 2030 Goal

Reminding that 2030 will mark the 500th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession, Pope Leo stated that this moment, which caused divisions in the past, can be transformed into an opportunity for deep ecumenical unity.

The Pope invited all Christians and theologians to return to their common roots and the faith of the early church.

Common Mission and Witness

At the end of the meeting, Pope Leo XIV drew attention to the shared mission task of preaching the Gospel.

He concluded his speech by stating that the world needs ecumenical witnesses who jointly testify to Christ.