Pope reiterates unity of the Catholic faith in Asia

Francis sends a message to the meeting of the presidents of the Doctrinal Commissions of the Bishops’ Conferences of Asia with a delegation from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.


Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis sent a message to the presidents of the Doctrinal Commissions of the Bishops’ Conferences of Asia who are meeting with a delegation from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Centre (pictured), from 15 to 18 January, in Bangkok, Thailand.

In the message, the pontiff reaffirms “our common responsibility for the unity and integrity of the Catholic faith and to explore new ways and methods of bearing witness to the Gospel amid the challenges of our contemporary world.”

The Holy Father also notes that the meeting is taking place in Asia, a "vast continent that is marked by religious, linguistic and cultural diversity”, adding that in his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, he invited the whole Church "to go forth.”

“I am pleased,” he says, “that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is actively supporting the important work of the Episcopal Conferences and especially of their Doctrinal Commissions, as they assist and foster the effective and fraternal cooperation among the Pastors of the Church in Asia.”