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Pope Urges Asian Bishops to Open Mind to Spread Gospel

2014-08-17 13:13:40

Pope Francis says that a true dialogue is impossible if one cannot open up his mind and heart with empathy and sincerity to others.

In his speech before some 70 Asian bishops at the Haemi sanctuary in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province on Sunday, the pope called for true communications to spread the Gospel.

He said that dialogue is an essential part of Asian churches’ missions in the continent, which is home to a a great variety of cultures. The pontiff added the church is called to be versatile and creative in her witness to the Gospel through dialogue and openness to all.

Pope Francis said that a clear sense of one's own identity and a capacity for empathy are the point of departure for all dialogue. He underlined that an awareness of "who we are, what God has done for us and what it is that he asks of us" is the starting point of all dialogues with different people or different cultures. He said that without the awareness, a true dialogue is impossible.

The pope also hoped that some Asian countries with whom the Holy See does not yet enjoy a full relationship may not hesitate to further a dialogue for the benefit of all.