Addressing the Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, the Pope called for a Eucharistic spirituality that unifies.
The Churches in Asia should continue to promote a “spirituality of ecclesial unity grounded in the charity that flows from the gift of our Lord in the Eucharist,” said Pope Leo XIV. This exhortation comes from a video message he addressed to the Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) on its final day.
A synodal experience
The event took place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 20 to 26. Its theme was "The Call to Synodal Conversion and the Mission to Be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia.” Some 150 cardinals, bishops and delegates attended the meeting, which was designed as a “synodal experience”: the program included “prayer, Conversations in the Spirit, regional meetings, and group discussions.”
The Holy Father assured them of his “spiritual closeness” as they discussed “the important issues affecting the life and future of the Catholic Church in Asia.” He focused on their chosen theme of building bridges.
Jesus and the Eucharist
For Christians, he pointed out, this has its root in Christ, who is “the unique mediator between God and humanity (cf. Jn 1:51).” It is also Jesus who is the “source of our communion” with each other. Referencing his recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, he said that “Christian solidarity finds its source in the mystery of Christ and emerges from our communion in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist.”
For this reason, he encouraged the assembly to continue to promote “a Eucharistic spirituality” within their local Churches that will build ecclesial unity. This, Leo XIV hopes, will strengthen the “bonds of communion within and between the local Churches.” Through this witness of unity and charity, they will become “an ever greater sign of God’s presence” in their respective countries, and “bridge-builders together throughout Asia.”
A tunnel symbolizes bridge-building
The event ended with a final Mass at Jakarta's Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. Afterwards, the participants walked through the Friendship Tunnel that joins the cathedral with the neighboring Istiqlal Mosque. This very real connection is also a symbol of “Indonesia's commitment to interreligious harmony.” Pope Francis, during his historic trip in 2024, also blessed and traversed this tunnel.
The fruits of the Plenary Assembly
The main outcome of the Assembly is a draft of a “Vademecum on pastoral priorities of the Churches of Asia.” This document is a “practical tool” to help “translate the vision” of the Assembly into action. It will be developed further until the publication of a final version in 2027.
Cardinal Felipe Neri Ferrão, archbishop of Goa and Daman, also signed a final message on behalf of all the members.
“As we discerned together, a broad consensus emerged that, now more than ever, the Church in Asia is called to be a bridge and a bridge-builder through ongoing synodal conversion, embracing the rich diversity of our cultures and peoples,” the message reads.
It mentions the challenges of “polarization, the collapse of global institutions, culture of power, rapid technological change, migration, ecological degradation, shrinking democratic spaces, and widening social and economic inequalities.” These are “not viewed merely as obstacles to overcome,” but rather as “opportunities for renewed missionary witness.”
In response to these situations, the Church should “embody the Gospel more authentically through education, interreligious dialogue, hospitality, care for our common home, and a deeper commitment to human dignity and solidarity.”
Christ is the living Bridge
Echoing the Pope’s words, the document affirms that “Christ Himself is the living Bridge between heaven and earth, between God and humanity, among peoples, and between humanity and our common home. To follow Him is for us to become bridges and bridge-builders in His name, in our own time and place.”
“We now return home,” it concludes, “inspired to become a missionary synodal Church that listens deeply, opens doors, crosses boundaries, and accompanies all people with humility and hope.”
