WCC news: WCC wishes Pope Francis renewed health

In a letter to Pope Francis, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay and WCC moderator Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm offered sincere prayers for your rapid recovery and renewed health in these coming days.  Bishop. Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, WCC Moderator, Pope Francis, and Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary, during a visit to the Vatican on 23 March 2023. Photo: Vatican Media 25 February 2025 “We know, too, that the Lord remains close to us in our pain and illness, that we are always secure in God’s hands, and that God is always at work to mend the world and its pain,” reads the letter. “We pray that you will experience God’s loving presence in a special way during these difficult days.” Pillay and Bedford-Strohm expressed how much the World Council of Churches prizes the leadership and close companionship of Pope Francis on the shared ecumenical pilgrimage of faith.  “May God’s healing and redemptive presence bring you comfort, confidence, and renewed vigour, so we may continue to walk, work, and pray together in the unity of the Spirit,” concludes the letter. “Please remain assured of our continued prayers for you.” Read the full letter 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 Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland