The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has sent a video message to participants in an international conference organized by the Dicastery for Evangelization and the Pontifical Urbaniana University. The conference, titled "The Face of the universal Church in China", commemorates the 100th anniversary of the consecration of the first Chinese Catholic bishops, who received their episcopal ordination from Pope Pius XI in 1926.
In his message, the Pope reflected on the significance of this event, not only for the Catholic Church in China but also for the universal Church. He noted that the consecration of the first Chinese bishops was a milestone in the Church's journey in China, marking a shift towards greater autonomy and self-governance for the local Church.
The Pope also emphasized the importance of the Church's missionary work being distinct from colonialism and cultural imperialism, citing the Apostolic Letter Maximum illud by Pope Benedict XV. He also emphasized the importance of communion and unity among bishops, citing his recent letter to the bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Pope's message concluded by noting that the Church's uniqueness lies in its mystical body, which is sustained by the grace of God, and that Chinese Catholics have made significant contributions to the harmony of social coexistence and the building of the common home.