Pope Francis has sent a heartfelt message to participants of the Jubilee Pilgrimage of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service (CHARIS), encouraging them to be “witnesses and artisans of peace and unity” in a world deeply in need of reconciliation and spiritual renewal.
The message, dated March 29 and released publicly on April 3, comes as CHARIS celebrates its Jubilee “in the heart of the Church.”
Thousands of charismatic pilgrims from across the globe have gathered in Rome as part of the Holy Year 2025 observances, which focus on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
In his message, Francis praised the CHARIS community for their commitment to raising “an intense prayer of intercession for the People of God and the whole world.” He likened their spiritual role to that of the heart in the human body—pumping life and unity throughout the Church.
“Just as the beating heart pumps blood throughout the entire body,” he wrote, “you desire to dedicate yourselves not only to the Church but also to open yourselves to her universal dimensions.”
The Holy Father emphasized that the Catholic Charismatic Renewal must remain rooted in communion, guided by the Holy Spirit, who brings “harmony and fraternity” to the Church and the world. He emphasized that this spiritual experience is not exclusive to you. It is for everyone! Share it with the world as a source of hope and peace.”
Established by Francis in 2018, CHARIS functions under the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, serving as a unified body to support the global Catholic Charismatic Renewal.
The movement, which emerged after the Second Vatican Council, has grown to include over 120 million Catholics worldwide, many deeply involved in prayer groups, healing ministries, evangelization, and social service.
In light of global unrest, division, and family breakdown, Pope Francis called on CHARIS participants to be active peacemakers, beginning in their communities.
“The Spirit can grant true peace to human hearts, which is necessary for overcoming conflicts in our families, society, and nations,” he said.
The pope also offered pastoral guidance for the movement’s internal life. He urged CHARIS members to avoid division, especially with regard to leadership roles, and to remain in cooperation with their local parishes and church communities.
“May the regard you show to your leaders never become an occasion of conflict,” he cautioned.
Concluding his message, Francis offered his apostolic blessing and expressed gratitude for their prayers: “I appreciate your closeness, and I accompany you with my blessing. I pray for you and ask you, please, to continue to pray for me!”
The Jubilee pilgrimage of CHARIS is one of the many international events being held in Rome as part of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year 2025, offering a powerful moment of prayer, unity, and witness for a Church called to renew hope and proclaim the joy of the Gospel.
Pope Francis has declared 2025 as a Holy Year of Jubilee for the Catholic Church, an event observed every 25 years.
The theme of the Jubilee Year 2025 is "Pilgrims of Hope." He invites Catholics to renew their hope and care for the earth, embracing their role as pilgrims rather than masters of creation. The Jubilee Year is a time to journey together as pilgrims of hope, fortifying one's bonds with God, each other, and the earth.
To mark the Jubilee Year 2025, the Vatican is organizing a series of events and programs for various groups of people, communities, and professions.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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