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Very close to the Pope: delegate from Würzburg in the Vatican!
Wolfgang Scharl represents Würzburg at the Vatican meeting, addresses hope and unity among Catholic movements.
Very close to the Pope: delegate from Würzburg in the Vatican!
What an impressive event! From June 4th to 6th, the annual meeting of the “Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life” took place in the Apostolic Palace, at which Wolfgang Scharl, the rural pastor of the Diocese of Würzburg, was also present. Around 230 delegates from all over the world came together to exchange ideas on themes of hope and togetherness. Behind this international meeting is the FIMARC (Fédération Internationale des Mouvements d’Adultes Rurales Catholique), for which Scharl acted as a delegate because President Philip Biswas from Bangladesh was unable to attend. FIMARC is a network of rural Catholic adult movements and has members from around 50 countries. Pow.bistum-wuerzburg.de reports that the atmosphere in the Apostolic Palace was characterized by a strong feeling of unity.
A personal meeting with Pope Leo XIV was planned, but had to be canceled due to scheduling difficulties. Nevertheless, the Pope delivered an impressive speech 45 minutes late, calling on those gathered to unite. The participants had the opportunity to sit very close to the altar in St. Peter's Square during the papal service at Pentecost, which was a special experience for many. Scharl made an intercession in German during a mass in St. Peter's Basilica presided over by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, underscoring his connection to the international community. Here everything was under the sign of the Holy Year “Hope”.
Inspiring speeches and personal encounters
The Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle also spoke at the annual meeting, inspiring those gathered with personal anecdotes. The meeting was chaired by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. Scharl was particularly impressed by the small group work, which gave delegates the opportunity to share their experiences. The exchange focused on how associations can act as a sign of hope for people, especially in the countries of the Global South. Scharl emphasized how important it is to combine social and political issues with spirituality.
The importance of these spiritual movements is also strongly supported by Pope Leo XIV. [Katholisch.de]. It is important to him that communities show strength not only within their own ranks, but also in connection with the Pastors of the Church, parishes and orders.
A view of the church
Pope Leo In a session he chaired, which was one of these meetings, he mentioned the need to face the challenges associated with missionary work and service to the faithful. This shows a clear focus on solidarity and passing on the faith to future generations.
An impressive picture of the commitment in the Catholic Church was also underlined by the Pope's visit to the Dicastery for the Bishops on June 12th, as Vaticannews.de reported. During this visit, Leo The energy and enthusiasm that comes from these meetings gives hope for a vibrant and forward-looking Catholic community.