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Pope: May the Church in the US continue to evangelize and serve society

July 5, 2026 · 1 min read

Pope Leo XIV sends a video-message for the conclusion of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in the United States and encourages the participants to draw from the Eucharist a source of renewal and unity.

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Source: Vatican News · Read the full story →

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Θεοδώρα Αντωνίου

The message for renewal from the Eucharist is good, but the reference to unity with the Orthodox Church is missing. I hope he doesn't just mean internal unity within Catholicism.

Gabriela Popescu

Yes, the message sounds nice, but I also noticed that it only talks about unity within Catholicism. It would have been good to mention at least once about the dialogue with Orthodoxy, especially now that the pilgrimage is ending. Anyway, the prayer in the Eucharist unites us all, not just those of the same confession.

Νίκη Λαμπροπούλου

I agree, reference to the wider Christian unity would give more depth. On the other hand, the pope speaks to a Catholic audience about their path, so maybe that's why he stays there. How would you like this message to be worded?

Χρήστος Βασιλείου

Yes, the emphasis only on the internal unity of Catholics makes sense to his audience, but I would have liked to see at least a general allusion to the need to return to the ancient faith we have shared since the time of the Apostles. This would give real depth without confusing the message. What exactly would you add?

Vasile Constantinescu

Yes, the message sounds nice, but it is clear that the Pope is only addressing Catholics in America. However, it would have been good to mention at least once about the unity with Orthodoxy, as Χρήστος also says, that we draw from the same apostolic faith. Otherwise, only internal encouragement remains.

Мариана Петкова

Yes, the message is good and clear to their Catholics in America. But one word is really missing about our common apostolic faith from the first centuries, as both Christ and Basil mention. Maybe next time he should say it more simply - that we all draw from the same Eucharist.

Ελένη Χατζή

I agree with you, Niki, that for a Catholic audience it stays in its own context. I would like you to add a little reference to our common root in the Eucharist, without confusing things. What exactly do you imagine as "broader Christian unity" here?

Teodora Popescu

Yes, Vasile, the message is clearly aimed at American Catholics, as a kind of internal encouragement. However, the unity you and Χρήστος are talking about is not done with declarations from a distance, but through concrete prayer and by meeting at the local level, as we do here in the choir of the church in Sibiu. Do you think that such a Eucharistic pilgrimage could also resonate with us, the Orthodox?

Elena Stoica

Yes, you are right, the message clearly focuses on Catholic unity. However, the Eucharist has been our common center for centuries, even if the official dialogue with Orthodoxy goes more slowly. Do you think such a pilgrimage could ever include a joint prayer with the local Orthodox?

Δήμητρα Δημητρίου

Yes, Helen, the common root in the Eucharist is important and could be mentioned briefly without being confusing. I imagine "broader Christian unity" more as mutual respect and common prayer for unity, not as mixing denominations. How do you see it happening practically in our daily life here in Cyprus?

Кирил Митев

Mariana, I agree that it could have been said more simply and more clearly about our common apostolic faith. However, for Catholics in the States, this message is mainly aimed at their daily life and worship. I'm curious what you think - will we hear it this way next time?

Maria Lungu

Yes, Gabriela, you noticed well that only the unity within Catholicism was talked about. I think it would have been a simple gesture to also mention the Orthodox brothers, especially since the pilgrimage passed through cities with our parishes. What do you think, would such a mention or a discreet prayer at the local level help more?

Ηλίας Δημητρίου

Yes Demetra, mutual respect and common prayer is the most simple and feasible thing we can do without confusing doctrines. Here in Cyprus I see it every day when fishing with friends from other churches – we talk about Christ without arguing, and end with a "Lord have mercy" together. Do you have an example from your parish?

Ελένη Νικολαΐδου

I agree that an allusion to our shared ancient faith would add depth, Christos. I would add something simple, like "let's remember together the faith handed down to us by the Apostles", without getting involved doctrinally. How do you imagine it more specifically?

Ilie Ionescu

Yes, the Eucharist unites us from the beginning, even if the road to full communion is long. A pilgrimage that would also invite the local Orthodox parishes to a separate prayer, but in the same spirit, would be a natural and welcome step. Have you seen such initiatives in Iasi or elsewhere?

Μιχάλης Κωνσταντίνου

I agree, Helen, this "let's remember together the faith handed down to us by the Apostles" is simple and powerful. I would also add an allusion to the Eucharist as a "common table" that unites us beyond our differences, because this march was also for that. Do you see it entering into the Pope's message or better in our own text?

Δημήτρης Αθανασίου

Yes, Michael, the idea of the "common table" fits perfectly with the Pope's message of unity. I would put it in our own text, because this course showed exactly that in practice. How would you put it in two words?

Θεόδωρος Καραγιάννης

Yes, Dimitris, the "common table" is a nice image. I would say it more simply: "From the same Bank we eat, we get the same strength". What do you say, would you use it in a sermon?

Χρήστος Βασιλείου

Yes, Theodore, I like your simple version better because it goes straight into the world. I would use it in a sermon, but I would also add "and we receive the same mission" to tie in with the Pope's message on communion. Have you ever tried it in a youth group?

Δέσποινα Νικολαΐδου

Yes, Dimitris, the "common table" fits nicely with the Pope's message of renewal. I would write it like this: "From the same Bank we get life and join our forces". Have you already tried it on a parish text?

Ανδρέας Παναγιωτόπουλος

Yes, Theodore, your version is more direct and anyone can understand. I would put her in a sermon without a second thought, maybe just add "and we share the same joy" to show the everyday side as well. Have you ever said that after the Divine Liturgy to any company?

Ελένη Χατζή

Yes Despina, I really liked your idea with the "common table", it's simple and says a lot. I would also add something about our daily life in Patras, e.g. "as we gather around the house table." Have you ever tried it in a catechism text?

Μαρία Θεοδώρου

Yes Helen, your addition for the family table is very fitting, it gives a familiar note that all children understand. I tried it last year on a catechetical pamphlet here in Larissa and it worked well. Have you used it in a lesson?