In his opening statement after his election, Pope Leo spoke of a church “that builds bridges, that is always open to receive everyone–just like in this square–to receive everyone, to welcome everyone who needs our charity, our dialogue, and love.” Pope Leo’s call for a missionary church emphasizing and promoting dialogue resonates with the mission of Global Ministries University. Pope Leo unites North and South America in his personal and pastoral experience. His message of peace amplifies the needs of our world today.
We hope he will journey to Turkey at the end of May to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea. GMU has worked closely with the Turkish community on many interfaith projects in Turkey, Kenya, Nigeria, and the United States. Pope Leo received an invitation to Turkey from the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians. This may also be an opportunity for Pope Leo to meet Islamic leaders in Turkey to establish his role in interfaith dialogue with Islam in accord with the interfaith ministry of Pope Francis expressed in his Fratelli Tutti encyclical.
Pope Leo XIV can be a global spiritual leader who renews our moral purpose and affirms the living connections we have with all of humanity and all of God’s creation.
Gerald Grudzen, PhD
President
Global Ministries University
Image: https://www.heute.at/i/papst-leo-xiv-das-boese-wird-nicht-gewinnen-120107300/doc-1iqold7uh4
