Pope Leo XIV welcomed Eastern Catholics during his Easter address, emphasizing the significance of their traditions and the need for peace. He celebrated the unique histories and struggles of the 23 Sui Iris churches in communion with Rome, highlighting their rich spiritual heritage. The Pope urged the preservation of Eastern liturgical practices and expressed concern for those displaced from their homelands, risking their religious identities.
He affirmed the “medicinal” value of Eastern spirituality, calling for the restoration of mystery and divine connection through liturgy. Addressing ongoing violence in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East, Pope Leo appealed for reconciliation and forgiveness, emphasizing that war is never inevitable.
The Pope committed to fostering peace and dialogue, encouraging Eastern Christians to remain in their homelands with necessary rights for safety. He concluded by urging Eastern Church leaders to promote communities of honesty and fraternity, asserting that the essence of Eastern Christianity lies in its freedom from secular attachments and its commitment to evangelical witness.
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