Episcopal Conference thanks Pope for caring for the poor and fighting sexual abuse

The Conference of Portuguese Bishops (CEP) on Monday thanked Pope Francis for his “increased attention” to the poorest and the ongoing fight against sexual abuse in the church in a note marking the 10th anniversary of Jorge Bergoglio’s pontificate.

In a document released this Monday, in addition to thanking Pope Francis for the “continuous fight against sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults in the Church, calling on the entire Church to zero tolerance,” CEP emphasizes caring for “the most disposable.” with apostolic journeys “especially to the outlying countries”

He also thanks Pope Francis for his “continuous commitment” to effective ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, his call and commitment to world peace and justice, and all positions and actions that CEP considers to be conducive to a church that is “truly inclusive, open and “attuned”. Exit'”.

Thanks to the magisterium bequeathed by Pope Francis, the CEP highlights the first words of Jorge Bergoglio after his election, emphasizing the desire to walk with the people “the path of brotherhood, love, trust”.

“Let us always pray for each other. Let’s pray for the whole world that there can be a great brotherhood,” is another of Jorge Bergoglio’s first proposals as Pope allocated by the CEP.

Welcoming the pastoral ministry of Pope Francis, CEP also thanks him for his presence in Portugal in 2017 – “as a pilgrim of the world on the centenary of the apparitions of Fatima” – and recalls that he is counting on his presence next August for the World Youth Day in Lisbon .

“We pray for Pope Francis that God will continue to bless him with his gifts and strengthen him in his service to the fellowship and mission of the Church,” he adds.

Pope Francis’ pontificate since February 24, 2022 has been heavily marked by the war with Ukraine, with the pontiff turning around in statements asking for peace for the territory.

For more than a year, he has made many public appearances in defense of ending the conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which he considered “disgusting” and “senseless massacre.”

The day after the invasion, Francis went to the Russian embassy near the Vatican in an unprecedented gesture to express his concerns about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Along with reforms in the Curia and a renewal of the College of Cardinals, Pope Francis, the first Jesuit to reach the top of the Catholic Church, sees his pontificate marked by significant changes, including listening to the faithful about the direction the Church should take. continue.