WCC news: WCC general secretary and family greet Pope Francis at the Vatican

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay and his family greeted Pope Francis at the Vatican on 3 January. Photo: Vatican Media 9 January 2023 Pillay was accompanied by his wife Sandra, and their three children Jessie, Janice, and Aaron. They participated in the General Audience session at the Paul VI Audience Hall. “I met Pope Francis a few times already but what made this time extra special was having my family with me,” said Pillay. “It was exceptionally wonderful to introduce my family to Pope Francis and have him greet each one personally. It’s certainly an experience they will remember very fondly.” In his reflection during the audience, Pope Francis spoke on how the Christian life involves a constant struggle to resist sin and to grow in holiness. “Jesus, himself sinless, submitted to baptism by John and was tempted in the desert, in order to teach us the need for spiritual rebirth, conversion of mind and heart, and unfailing trust in God’s mercy and sustaining grace,” said Pope Francis. "May our weekly reflections on the virtues and vices help us to imitate the Lord’s example, to grow in wisdom and self-understanding, and to discern between good and evil.” Photo: Vatican Media See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland