By Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Diocese of Penang
THE most meaningful moment of the ad limina visit for me was the celebration of Holy Mass at the tombs of Sts Peter and Paul, followed by an audience with Pope Leo XIV, the successor of St Peter. Standing at the heart of Apostolic tradition, I experienced a profound sense of communion with the living history of the Church. It was a powerful reminder of the unbroken line of faith, leadership and witness that stretches from the Apostles to the present day through the ministry of the Bishop of Rome.
Praying and celebrating the Eucharist at the tomb of St Peter was particularly moving. As the rock upon which Christ built His Church, Peter remains a symbol of unity, continuity and fidelity through his successors. St Paul, the great missionary apostle, reminds us of the Church’s mission to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Together, these two apostles embody both the foundation and the mission of the Church — One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic.
Meeting Pope Leo XIV was a moment of grace and deep significance. Having previously met Pope Francis during the consistory at which he created me a cardinal, I was struck by the continuity between these two pontiffs. While each possesses a distinct personality and style of leadership, both are united in the same mission of serving the Universal Church and proclaiming the Gospel. The encounter reinforced for me the importance of communion with the Holy Father and fidelity to the Church’s teachings. It also highlighted the reality that attempts to divide the Church along personal or ideological lines fail to grasp the deeper truth of the papacy: that each successor of Peter serves the same Church, guided by the same Spirit and entrusted with the same mission handed down by Christ.
Our meetings with the Vatican dicasteries revealed their role: they exist first to serve the Holy Father and, through him, the Universal Church. Their professionalism, discipline, pastoral sensitivity, and spiritual depth reassured me that the Church is under the strong and faithful leadership of Pope Leo XIV. Their guidance was not abstract but deeply connected to the realities and challenges we face in our region, offering encouragement and direction for our local mission.
The Church in Malaysia and people of all faiths are invited to go beyond the rhetoric of politics, race, religion, and nationality. I felt strongly in my ad limina visit that unity, diversity and equality are an asset if we are able to go beyond the rhetoric. By transcending the rhetoric of politics, race, religion, and nationality, we embody a Catholic truth based on the Trinity.
The Church of Malaysia is in a region which is vibrant and multi-religious, multicultural and multi-lingual. But enough of thinking of them only as challenges! We should think of them firstly as assets: diversity and unity in diversity, are assets. Diversity is not a threat, and within diversity, we must discover equality. With these three fundamental things – unity, diversity and equality – it’s really about the Trinity and it is about us. That is very exciting, and with the right orientation, we can face the challengers together.
Returning from Rome, rested and renewed in spirit, I wish to share a message of confidence and hope: the Catholic Church is moving forward with strength and unity. Let us rest in the assurance that the Holy Spirit continues to guide and lead us. – Herald Malaysia
