Pope Leo XIV met with a delegation from the Lutheran World Federation on Thursday, encouraging Christians to deepen their commitment to ecumenism and bear joint witness to Christ in an increasingly fragmented world. Reflecting on decades of spiritual and theological growth in Catholic-Lutheran relations, the Pope highlighted the ongoing international dialogue—now in its sixth phase—as a vital sign of maturing unity.
Emphasizing the true nature of Christian unity, Pope Leo recalled Pope Francis’s 2021 reflection that ecumenism purifies historical memory and overcomes rigid attitudes. He stressed that ecumenism is not an exercise in “ecclesial diplomacy” or human negotiation, but rather a “journey of grace” dependent entirely on God. He reaffirmed that renewed communion in faith, sacraments, and ministry remains the ultimate goal of this shared journey guided by the Gospel.
Looking ahead to 2030, which will mark the 500th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession, Pope Leo urged theologians and believers to approach the historic milestone as an opportunity for reconciliation rather than division. He invited Christians to return with devotion to the early Church Fathers and their pre-confessional roots. In his closing remarks, the Pope noted that the world desperately needs ecumenical witnesses whose lives make Christ known, calling on Lutherans and Catholics to fulfill their shared mission of preaching the Gospel together.