Pope's general audience of Jan 22
January 22, 2014 - As followers of Christ worldwide are currently observing the annual
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Jan 18-25, Pope Francis dedicated his general
audience of Wednesday to unity among Christians. The general audience is an opportunity
for pilgrims and tourists visiting Rome to be able t see and hear the Pope, and also
receive his blessing. The general audience of Jan. 22 was held in the open, in
Rome’s St. Peter’s Square. It began with aides reading a passage from the First Letter
of St. Paul to the Corinthians. Listen:
Basing himself on the scripture passage, Pope Francis delivered his main discourse in Italian - summaries of which were read out by aides in various languages, including in English. But first, the aide greeted the Pope on behalf of the English-speaking pilgrims.
Listen:
… Dear Brothers and Sisters: in these days we celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This year’s theme is a question taken from the First Letter to the Corinthians: “Has Christ Been Divided?”. We know that Christ has not been divided; yet we must sincerely recognize that our communities continue to experience divisions which are a source of scandal and weaken our witness to the Gospel. In reproaching the Corinthians for their divisions, Paul reminds them to rejoice in the great spiritual gifts which they have received. His words encourage us to rejoice in the gifts God has given to other Christians, gifts which we can receive from them for our enrichment. To be able to do this calls for humility, discernment and constant conversion. As we reflect on Paul’s teaching during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, may we be confirmed, together with all Christ’s followers, in our pursuit of holiness and fidelity to the Lord’s will..
Pope Francis then greeted the English-speaking pilgrims in Italian.
Listen:
… During this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity I am particularly pleased to greet the students of the ecumenical Graduate School of Bossey. May your studies help to advance ecumenical dialogue and understanding. I also greet the pilgrimage of British Army Chaplains and the delegation from the Jewish Federation of Chicago. Upon all the English-speaking pilgrims present at today’s Audience I cordially invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace! (BLESSING)
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