Pope Francis receives International Theological Commission
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received the participants in the Plenary Assembly of
the International Theological Commission on Friday at the Apostolic Palace in the
Vatican. The three main themes the Commission is addressing throughout the course
of its current five-year study period are: the relations between monotheism and violence;
the social doctrine of the Church; and, the “sense of the faith” – which Pope Francis
described in his remarks to the participants as, “a sort of ‘spiritual instinct’,”
that makes it possible for those attuned to it to think with the Church and to discern
that, which is in conformity with the Apostolic Faith and with the spirit of the Gospel.
Speaking
of the possible perversions of authentic faith in the one true God, Pope Francis said,
“The definitive revelation of God in Jesus Christ makes every recourse to violence
in God’s name ultimately impossible. It is precisely because of [Christ’s] refusal
of violence, because of his having overcome evil with good, with the blood of his
Cross, that Jesus has reconciled men to God and each other.”
The Holy Father
went on to say that Christ’s peace also informs the Church’s social doctrine, which,
he said, “Aims at translating the love of God for humanity manifested in Jesus Christ
into the concrete terms of social life.”
Pope Francis called the mission of
the theologian, “At once fascinating and risky,” because, while theological teaching
and research can be a true way toward holiness, they can also tempt theologians to
dryness of heart, pride and even ambition. He prayed that the Blessed Virgin might
obtain for all those who live the theological life an increase in the spirit of prayer
and devotion, so that they might be true servants of the Church in a profound spirit
of humility. Listen: