From August 26 to 29, 2024, the Latin Bishops of the Arab Regions (C.E.L.R.A.) gathered in Rome to deliberate on the evolving ecclesiastical matters and the political situation in the region and to discuss plans for future collaboration.
On the morning of Monday 26 August, members of the Conference, chaired by His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, met with H.E Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, accompanied by H.E. Archbishop Michel Jalakh, Secretary of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.
His Beatitude the Cardinal introduced the members of the Conference to His Eminence Cardinal Gugerotti highlighting their current positions and provided him with the context of the Council's meeting in Rome.
Thereafter, an exchange of experiences and opinions took place, especially on the role of the Latin Church and its presence in the East.
At the end of the meeting, the attendees recited the Angelus prayer asking Our Lady to aid them in accomplishing the will of God, and for peace to manifest in the world, especially in the Middle East. In his closing speech, Cardinal Gugerotti wished the Council success in its mission.
On Wednesday, 28 August, H.H. Pope Francis received the C.E.L.R.A members in the Pope Paul VI Hall. His Holiness noted that the extreme tension in the Middle East is causing thousands of innocent people to be killed and many unnecessary sufferings. He urged the Council to strive to work for peace, saying: “Today I have the opportunity to express directly my closeness to you and to the Churches you represent. May the Lord always give you the strength to bear witness to faith in Him, also through respectful and sincere dialogue with everyone. May you keep hope alight! Be yourselves, for everyone, signs of hope, a presence that fosters words and gestures of peace, brotherhood, and respect”.
Photo Credit: L'Osservatore Romano
