Francis: the encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist is a source of hope for the world

Vatican City, 27 September 2014 (VIS) – “The Eucharist occupies the central position in the Church because it is what makes the Church. As Vatican Council II affirms, it is the 'sacrament of piety, sign of unity, bond of charity'”, said the Pope this morning, as he received in audience the participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Committee for the International Eucharistic Councils.

The theme of the next congress, “Christ in you, the hope of glory”, “perfectly reflects the bond between the Eucharist, the mission and Christian hope”, continued the Pontiff. “Today there is a lack of hope in the world, and therefore humanity needs to hear the message of our hope in Jesus Christ. The Church proclaims this message with renewed ardour, using new methods and new expressions. With the spirit of 'new evangelisation', the Church brings this message to all and, in particular, those who despite being baptised, have drifted away from the Church and live without reference to Christian life”.

“The encounter between Jesus in the Eucharist will be a source of hope for the world if, transformed by the power of the Holy See in the image on He Whom we meet, we accept the mission of transforming the world, giving the fullness of life that we ourselves have received and experienced, bringing hope, forgiveness, healing and love to those who are in need, especially the poor, the dispossessed and the oppressed, sharing life and aspirations and walking alongside them in search of an authentic human life in Jesus Christ”, concluded Pope Francis, invoking the protection of the Virgin Mary for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress, to take place in Cebu, Philippines in January 2015.