- Pope Leo XIV sent a video message to the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) in Jakarta, Indonesia, assuring the bishops of his spiritual closeness and praying for the Holy Spirit's guidance on their discussions about the Church in Asia.
- The Pope called the Church in Asia to be bridge-builders together throughout Asia by strengthening bonds of communion, becoming an ever greater sign of God's presence, and concluded with a Marian intercession and blessing.
- Pope Leo emphasized that Jesus is the source of communion with God and with one another, and urged promoting a Eucharistic spirituality grounded in charity flowing from the Eucharist, which is the foundation of Christian solidarity.
- The Assembly's theme is taken from Jesus' words to Nathanael: “You will see greater things” (Jn 1:50), highlighting Jesus as the unique mediator between God and humanity.
Pope Leo XIV addressed the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) in Jakarta, Indonesia, emphasizing the need for unity and charity among bishops across Asia. In a video message, he stated, "As you gather to discuss the important issues affecting the life and future of the Catholic Church in Asia, I assure you of my spiritual closeness, praying that the Holy Spirit will inspire and guide your time together."123
The assembly, held from July 20 to 26, focuses on the theme derived from Jesus' words to Nathanael: “You will see greater things” (Jn 1:50). Pope Leo highlighted that this theme reflects Jesus as the unique mediator between God and humanity, urging bishops to embody this message in their communities.78910
He stressed the importance of Eucharistic spirituality, stating, “Christian solidarity finds its source in the mystery of Christ and emerges from our communion in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist.” He encouraged bishops to promote this spirituality to strengthen bonds of communion within and between local churches, which would help them become “bridge-builders together throughout Asia.”456
Concluding his message, Pope Leo commended the assembly's deliberations to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invoking the Lord’s gifts of wisdom and fortitude upon the bishops. “And may the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit come down on you and remain with you for ever. Amen.”
“The assembly's theme, taken from Jesus' words to Nathanael — 'You will see greater things' (Jn 1:50) — highlights Christ as the unique mediator. Pope Leo also urged promoting a Eucharistic spirituality grounded in charity flowing from the Eucharist, and prayed for the Holy Spirit's guidance on their discussions.”
