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Pope Francis: A Journey of Faith to Asia
Grégoire Vignola, pmé
Pope Francis, always unpredictable, continues to surprise us. This September, at the age of 87, he has embarked on the longest journey of his pontificate. Despite his health issues and difficulties walking, Francis remains steadfast in his commitment to reaching out to the most remote and smallest churches. He himself leads by example in the synodal and missionary conversion to which he calls the entire Church.
Destinations of Faith
Four modest churches will be the destinations of his journey: Indonesia, with its Muslim majority; Papua New Guinea, a church practically newborn; East Timor, a country that has suffered years of bloody war; and finally, Singapore, with a church that is both supportive and missionary in the Southeast Asian countries.
For the Bishop of Rome, all churches, no matter how small, are communities that matter. The Pope travels to build bridges, to draw closer to the cradle of the world’s major religions. His journey is a testament to the evangelizing mission he promotes. And it is an invitation to all the baptized to go to the peripheries of the world.
Asia: A Continent of Hope and Faith
Asia, a continent still to be discovered, fascinating and extraordinary, is home to the vast majority of humanity. Moreover, it is a region of great poverty. Two-thirds of the world’s population live in Asia. As a Foreign Mission Society, we have been present in Asia since our founding, and the missionary urgency to announce the joy of the Gospel has led us to the unknown, trusting in the merciful providence of a God already present in Asian cultures and religions, and in the hearts of its people. Many areas of Asia are quite poor, and among the poor, the seed of the Gospel joyfully takes root, transforming everything in its path.
The vast majority of Asian churches experience the life of the first Christian communities. It is a Church of the Acts of the Apostles, a Church driven by the Spirit, which, despite its small size, is missionary and sends missionaries to the world according to the Gospel mandate. It is no coincidence that Pope Francis has chosen Korea for the next World Youth Day in 2027. For the Pope knows that Asia is opening up to the missionary world, sending missionaries and pastoral agents to proclaim the joy of the Gospel.
A Journey of Transformation
Traveling to Asia opens the heart and mind, broadens the world view, and allows us to meet brothers and sisters in different contexts and environments. It is an experience of conversion, as it is an experience of silence, when suddenly one cannot understand the language or certain cultural and religious codes and nuances. It is experiencing abandonment and trust, becoming like children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, free from prejudice and with open minds.
Destinations of Faith
Four modest churches will be the destinations of his journey: Indonesia, with its Muslim majority; Papua New Guinea, a church practically newborn; East Timor, a country that has suffered years of bloody war; and finally, Singapore, with a church that is both supportive and missionary in the Southeast Asian countries.
For the Bishop of Rome, all churches, no matter how small, are communities that matter. The Pope travels to build bridges, to draw closer to the cradle of the world’s major religions. His journey is a testament to the evangelizing mission he promotes. And it is an invitation to all the baptized to go to the peripheries of the world.
Asia: A Continent of Hope and Faith
Asia, a continent still to be discovered, fascinating and extraordinary, is home to the vast majority of humanity. Moreover, it is a region of great poverty. Two-thirds of the world’s population live in Asia. As a Foreign Mission Society, we have been present in Asia since our founding, and the missionary urgency to announce the joy of the Gospel has led us to the unknown, trusting in the merciful providence of a God already present in Asian cultures and religions, and in the hearts of its people. Many areas of Asia are quite poor, and among the poor, the seed of the Gospel joyfully takes root, transforming everything in its path.
The vast majority of Asian churches experience the life of the first Christian communities. It is a Church of the Acts of the Apostles, a Church driven by the Spirit, which, despite its small size, is missionary and sends missionaries to the world according to the Gospel mandate. It is no coincidence that Pope Francis has chosen Korea for the next World Youth Day in 2027. For the Pope knows that Asia is opening up to the missionary world, sending missionaries and pastoral agents to proclaim the joy of the Gospel.
A Journey of Transformation
Traveling to Asia opens the heart and mind, broadens the world view, and allows us to meet brothers and sisters in different contexts and environments. It is an experience of conversion, as it is an experience of silence, when suddenly one cannot understand the language or certain cultural and religious codes and nuances. It is experiencing abandonment and trust, becoming like children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, free from prejudice and with open minds.
Importance of this apostolic visit
More specifically, let's say that Pope Francis's apostolic journey to Southeast Asia and Oceania holds significant importance in several respects:
Strengthening Diplomatic and Interreligious Relations:
- Pope Francis has always been a fervent advocate for interreligious dialogue and peace. This trip offers an opportunity to strengthen ties with religious leaders and local communities in these countries.
- Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore have diverse populations with various religious beliefs. The Pope can encourage mutual understanding and tolerance among different faiths.
Raising Awareness of Social and Environmental Issues:
- These countries face challenges such as poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and climate change. The Pope can highlight these problems and call for concrete actions to address them.
- Papua New Guinea, in particular, faces issues of sustainable development, human rights, and the preservation of its rich biodiversity.
Promoting Peace and Reconciliation:
- Pope Francis can encourage reconciliation in regions that have experienced past conflicts. For example, East Timor has struggled for its independence, and Papua New Guinea has faced ethnic tensions.
- By visiting these countries, the Pope can bring a message of hope and peace, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding.
Visibility and Support for Christian Minorities:
- Although these countries have non-Christian majorities, they also host Christian communities. The Pope can show solidarity with these minorities and encourage them in their faith.
- By meeting with local believers, the Pope can strengthen their spiritual commitment and give them a sense of belonging to the universal Church.
In summary, this apostolic journey is an opportunity for Pope Francis to promote peace, social justice, environmental protection, and fraternity among the peoples of these diverse and dynamic regions.
We entrust this Papal journey to the intercession of Saint Francis Xavier, the great missionary to Asia, who crossed borders and cultures, and whose heart burned like the midday sun so that the world might know the Good News. And to the intercession of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, who dreamt of going to the ends of the earth, to Asia precisely, so that the love of God might be known.
Next: Pope's visit to Indonesia...