Pope Leo XIV Urges Asian Bishops to Build Communion Ahead of FABC Assembly

VATICAN CITY, July 13: Pope Leo XIV has urged the Catholic Church in Asia to become "builders of communion and not architects of this world's Babylon" as he appointed Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay, as his Extraordinary Envoy to the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences.

The appointment was announced in a letter dated June 24, the Solemnity of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, ahead of the FABC plenary assembly to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 20 to 26. The gathering will focus on the theme, "Synodal Conversion and the Church's Mission to Build Bridges of Communion."

In his message, Pope Leo expressed his affection for the Church in Asia and encouraged its bishops to respond courageously to the challenges of the modern world while remaining rooted in faith and committed to the service of humanity.

The Pope called on the Church to foster unity, compassion and justice, urging Christians to place God at the centre of their lives while working for reconciliation and peace. Referring to biblical imagery, he cautioned against building "another Babylon" characterised by division, pride and self-interest. Instead, he urged the Church to become "builders of communion and not architects of this world's Babylon; servants of the future Kingdom, not builders of towers destined to collapse."

Highlighting the Church's mission to serve those on the margins, Pope Leo said the poor, the sick, migrants and children should be recognised as the "rejected stones" that become the cornerstones of God's Kingdom.

The Holy Father appointed Cardinal Oswald Gracias as his representative at the request of Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão. Cardinal Gracias will represent the Pope throughout the week-long assembly, including the Eucharistic celebrations and plenary sessions.

Pope Leo praised Cardinal Gracias for his faithful service to the Church and entrusted him with conveying his greetings and pastoral closeness to the bishops, priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful participating in the assembly. He also asked the cardinal to emphasise the significance of the gathering for the Church's mission in Asia.

Concluding his letter, the Pope assured Cardinal Gracias of his prayers, entrusted him to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Joseph, and imparted his Apostolic Blessing upon all participants.

The FABC Plenary Assembly will bring together bishops, theologians, pastoral experts and representatives of local Churches across Asia for prayer, dialogue and discernment as they reflect on the Church's mission in a rapidly changing world.

Courtesy The Holy See