Pope Francis meets with Taizé Prior

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday received in audience Frère Alois, Prior of Taizé, in his first private audience with the Pontiff. Alois had, on a previous occasion, met with Benedict XVI annually, as his predecessor Frère Roger had done with John XXIII, Paul VI and John Paul II.

Alois spoke with the Pope about the young people welcomed to Taizé, and of the spiritual pilgrimage which the community embodies along with young people from around the world. He went on to tell the Holy Father about Taizé’s ecumenical nature, saying how baptism is the unifying component for all Christians.

According to the community’s press release, Pope Francis said he had deep respect for Frère Roger, founder of the Taizé community, and encouraged the community to continue its work.