During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Pope Francis welcomes an ecumenical delegation from Finland, emphasizing that hope in the Lord never fails and urging Christians to remain steadfast in prayer.
Pope Francis shared this message on Monday while meeting with an ecumenical delegation from Finland, who travelled to Rome to celebrate the feast of Saint Henrik. This annual visit typically takes place during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, observed from January 18–25.
Reflecting on the Holy Year of 2025, the Pope described the journey as one of “pilgrims of hope.”
Quoting the Letter to the Hebrews, he added, “On our faith journey, we are strengthened by these words: ‘Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.'”
Pope Francis, reflecting on the Christian faith and the importance of praying together for peace, reminded those present that Jesus Christ is the Incarnate Truth, our Lord and Savior, and that we are called to embrace His love for us.
The Pope emphasized that hope in the Lord never fails, quoting, “For ‘neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation'” – nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
He also stated, “Witnessing to this incarnate love is our ecumenical mission, in the unity of all the baptized.”
Pope Francis closed by inviting everyone to pray the Lord’s Prayer with him, expressing gratitude for their visit, and bestowing God’s blessing upon them.