Since the first moment he stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica and greeted the world with a simple, heartfelt \u201cBuona sera,\u201d Pope Francis has reminded us with both words and actions that the Gospel calls us to go to the margins \u2013 to see Christ in the poor, the displaced, the suffering, the forgotten, and to walk with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At CNEWA, we have been blessed to accompany the local Churches in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and India as they live out this same mission of presence and service. In so many ways Pope Francis has been our companion and inspiration on this journey. His unwavering focus on those living on the peripheries \u2014 whether geographic, economic, or existential \u2014 reflects the heart of our work and the primary reason why Canadians continue to support our mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More than any other figure in the recent past, Pope Francis has lifted up the voices of refugees and migrants, embraced those wounded by war, and called on the global community to not turn away. His solidarity with Eastern Christians, especially in times of persecution, has offered a powerful witness of unity and love. He has visited camps, kissed the hands of the suffering, and prayed in silence in the face of devastation. These moments are not merely symbolic; they are sacramental signs of a Church that sees, hears, and accompanies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Pope Francis has also reminded us that peace is not merely the absence of war \u2014 it is the fruit of encounter, dialogue, and mutual respect. From the plains of Iraq to the churches of Jerusalem, from mosques to synagogues, from refugee camps to war-torn neighbourhoods, he has been a pilgrim of peace and a bridge-builder across faiths and cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We at CNEWA follow his example in the communities we serve, speaking the language of compassion, weeping with the suffering, helping those in need, and sharing hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we reflect on Pope Francis\u2019 enduring legacy, we are ever grateful of his example, leadership, courage and compassion. We are grateful for a pontificate that has stirred the conscience of the world and called us to deeper solidarity with our brothers and sisters, especially those most in need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
May we continue to walk the path he has opened with simplicity, tenderness and unshakable faith in the power of love to heal, build, and ultimately, to redeem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
At a time when the world seems fractured and uncertain, there are voices that rise above the noise \u2014 voices calling us back to what is most essential: mercy, justice, peace, and love for the least among us. Pope Francis has been such a voice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70080,"featured_media":16065,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"class_list":["post-16064","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-releases"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n