Pope Leo: Church must bear witness to truth in charity

By Devin Watkins

Pope Leo XIV met on Thursday with the Diocesan Office for the Universal Church and Dialogue, as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of its creation within the Archdiocese of Cologne, in Germany.

He said the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the universality of the Church and the importance of dialogue.

“In light of Christ’s Resurrection, the Church recognizes herself as being sent to all peoples—not by imposing herself, but by bearing witness to the truth in charity,” he said. “Dialogue, in turn, strengthens communion, opens paths of understanding, and serves the cause of peace.”

Through the work of dialogue and communion, Christ makes the Church a sign of unity and hope for the world, drawing all things to Himself.

Pope Leo praised the Archdiocese of Cologne for its “prophetic openness” to the Church’s universal dimension, which he said is expressed in a willingness for “encounter, mutual exchange, and dialogue.”

Pope Leo meets with the delegation from the Archdiocese of Cologne   (@VATICAN MEDIA)

He recalled that the Archdiocese established a partnership with the Archdiocese of Tokyo in 1954 and set up several aid initiatives, including Misereor and Adveniat.

“This vision of the Church as truly universal—called to solidarity beyond the confines of Europe, and sustained through a culture of dialogue—remains at the very heart of your organization’s identity,” he said.

The Archdiocese of Cologne also became a founding member of the Meeting of Aid Agencies for the Eastern Churches (ROACO), which offers support for the Eastern Churches and helps provide aid to regions affected by famine, flooding, and war.

Other initiatives promoted by the Archdiocese include providing scholarships for seminarians and assistance to elderly priests.

Pope Leo recalled that the Archdiocese of Cologne supported several initiatives of the Diocese of Peru when he was its Bishop, including purchasing oxygen-producing machines which saved many lives.

“Through your generous service,” he said, “the universal dimension of the Church is made visible and concrete, fostering solidarity, strengthening bonds of unity, and bearing witness to the Gospel of peace in a world so often marked by division and distress.”

In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV invited the Archdiocese of Cologne to continue its mission of charity, especially its support for Christians in the Middle East and those who have been forced to flee their homelands.

“I encourage you,” he said, “to persevere in this mission of charity, so that they may still experience the closeness of the universal Church.”