Pope Calls for Renewed Mission to Proclaim Christ at St. Paul’s Tomb

Pope Francis recently emphasized the importance of evangelization and the mission of all Christians during a Vespers celebration held at St. Paul’s Tomb. This event coincided with the third Sunday in Ordinary Time and marked Word of God Sunday, a tradition established by the Pope seven years ago.

Pope’s Call to Proclaim Christ

At this significant gathering, the Pope underscored that the mission of St. Paul also pertains to the role of every Christian today: to proclaim Christ and invite everyone to trust in Him. He referenced the Second Vatican Council, particularly its mission to evangelize. The Pope stated that the Church should work to “proclaim the Gospel to every creature,” as articulated in the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church.

Connections to Vatican II

The Pope recalled the Council’s desire to enlighten the world with the light of Christ. He reminded attendees of his own words from his Papal inauguration in May 2025, urging Christians to approach the world with humility and joy. “Look to Christ, draw near to him, accept his word that enlightens and comforts,” he stated.

Responding to Challenges

During the celebration, he encouraged the faithful to not be deterred by unfavorable circumstances or internal resistance when contemplating the evangelization mission. Jesus began His preaching following the arrest of John the Baptist, a moment that appeared less than ideal. The Pope reflected that even when the circumstances seem cautionary, believers should embrace the opportunity to share the Gospel.

The Importance of Unity

As the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity concluded, Pope Francis called upon all Christians to renew their commitment to this mission. He acknowledged that while divisions exist, they should not hinder the message of Christ but rather motivate efforts toward unity.

• One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord
• One faith, one baptism, one God (Ephesians 4:4-6)

The Pope’s remarks included a heartfelt response to the unity of faith, stating, “We share the same faith in the one God.” He reiterated that unity is essential for a common witness to the Gospel.

Looking Toward Ecumenism

As the Church prepares for the 2000th anniversary of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus in 2033, the Pope emphasized the need for ecumenical synodal practices. He called for open communication among different Christian communities about their faith and teachings.

Acknowledging Historical Witness

During the Liturgy, Pope Francis recognized the significant contributions of numerous Christian leaders and communities in attendance, particularly lauding the Armenian people for their enduring Christian witness throughout history. Armenia is notable for being the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion, with the baptism of King Tiridates in 301 AD.

Ultimately, the Pope’s message reflected that the pursuit of unity is a collective responsibility of all believers and is crucial for effectively preaching the Gospel. Through this dedication, the faithful can showcase the light of Christ to the world.