Archbishop Thomas Schirrmacher in conversation with Pope Leo XIV. © BQ/Schirrmacher
We present Schirrmacher’s speech and summary, as well as the following press release by the Christian news platform Christnet. (See also the photo gallery.)
Pope Leo XIV received members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CHARIS) for the first time. The meeting at the Vatican was part of their program in Rome as part of preparations for the movement’s jubilee in the Holy Land, where they will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its founding next year. (See the summary of the speech of the Pope ⇒)
At the beginning, the Pope recalled the words of Pope Paul VI, who stated that for an increasingly secularized world, nothing is more necessary than the witness of spiritual renewal inspired by the Holy Spirit in the most diverse regions and communities. Leo went on to mention the words of the last three popes from their addresses to charismatic movements, and for his part, he focused on five key words: baptism in the Spirit, prayer of praise, the Word of God, community, and, finally, love.
“Your shared journey of faith has its source in the personal experience of the Holy Spirit, who has enabled the grace of Baptism to take effect in each of you and lead you to a clear awareness of God’s love,” the Pope said.
Pino Scafuro, Thomas Schirrmacher and Fr. Christophe Blin (from left to right) © BQ/Schirrmacher
The first Augustinian pope also quoted St. Augustine of Hippo: “O Christ Jesus, my helper and redeemer, it suddenly became sweet to me to be without the sweetness of folly. What I once feared losing was now a pleasure I could cast aside. You drove them out and entered to take their place, more delightful than any pleasure.”
According to Leo XIV, the desire to bear witness to and proclaim the Holy Spirit’s love—and to “bring His consolation to people oppressed by feelings of emptiness and loneliness”—springs from experience with the Holy Spirit.
Among other things, the Pope praised the fact that Sacred Scripture has become for charismatics “a wonderful source of spiritual nourishment” and discernment, which guides daily decisions, gives substance to communal prayer, and enables them to turn to the Lord with words inspired by God Himself.
Archbishop Thomas Schirrmacher addressing the CHARIS gathering in the Vatican audience hall © BQ/Schirrmacher
The Bishop of Rome called on those present to offer their experiences and methods of evangelization to dioceses and parishes. He advised them to faithfully follow their priests and, in communal discernment, to listen to wise people, even if they do not belong to their groups.
In conclusion, he called on the participants to foster harmony and cooperation and not to succumb to the desire for self-promotion, the pursuit of power, or personal prestige.
Among the invited guests to share their testimonies were not only Catholics but also two Anglicans. The first was Anglican pastor Nicky Gumbel, founder of the ecumenical Alpha Course, an introduction to Christianity that is very popular among Catholics worldwide.
In addition to him, Archbishop Thomas Schirrmacher, who served as general secretary of the World Evangelical Alliance, addressed Pope Leo XIV and the Catholic charismatics.
Pope Leo XIV and bishops praying the Lord’s Prayer during the audience © BQ/Schirrmacher