By Charles Igwe
Pope Francis reaffirmed the shared ecumenical calling of Christians during an audience at the Vatican on Monday, welcoming Finnish representatives from various Christian denominations. The meeting coincided with the feast of St. Henry, Finland’s patron saint, celebrated annually on January 19.
Held in the Vatican Apostolic Palace on January 20, the gathering included prominent Christian leaders: Archbishop Elia of Helsinki from the Finnish Orthodox Church, Bishop Raimo Goyarrola of the Catholic Diocese of Helsinki, and Bishop Matti Salomäki of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The Holy Father underscored that bearing witness to the incarnate love of Christ “is our ecumenical vocation, in the communion of all the baptized.” He emphasized that this vocation is central to the mission of Christians and must be a driving force for unity and collaboration across denominations.
As part of the ongoing Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and in anticipation of the 2025 Jubilee Year, Pope Francis pointed to St. Henry as an emblem of hope and unity. He described the saint as a messenger of peace, urging believers to continuously pray for the “precious and fragile gift of peace.”
The pontiff noted that St. Henry’s feast day holds particular significance for ecumenism, as it brings together Christians from diverse traditions to unite in prayer and worship. “He is a symbol of the unity given by God,” Pope Francis remarked, highlighting how his memory continues to inspire collaboration and shared devotion.
The Holy Father also praised the presence of the Sanctae Mariae Chapel choir, emphasizing the power of music in spiritual life. Quoting St. Augustine, he reflected that “whoever sings, prays twice.”
Turning to the shared Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, Pope Francis described it as a “symphony of truth” with Jesus Christ at its center. He encouraged Christians to listen to this “musical score of faith” not only with their ears but also with their hearts, allowing themselves to be moved by the mystery of God’s love revealed through His Son.
In closing, the Pope urged the attendees to confidently express the “filial vocation” of ecumenism through prayer. Together, they recited the Lord’s Prayer, symbolizing their commitment to unity and shared faith.
