Pope Leo’s address to a delegation from “Weltkirche & Dialog” (Universal Church & Dialogue)
of the Archdiocese of Cologne, Germany – 30.04.2026
The Diocesan Office of the “Universal Church & Dialogue” is the Archdiocese of Cologne’s specialist office for world church contacts.
Contacts worldwide with individuals, institutions, and projects of the Church on all continents create a network of Christian solidarity.
This network is expressed through the projects in which the diocesan office is involved worldwide, as well as through trips and mutual visits.
More than 200 people visit the office every year.
Through direct contacts in the universal church, the archdiocese can get in touch with local people quickly and easily in acute crisis situations, such as severe weather disasters or political crises, and provide help.
Pope Leo’s address
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you!
I warmly greet you on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Weltkirche & Dialog’s founding,.
It is now known as the Diocesan Office for the Universal Church and Dialogue.
Your visit coincides with the Easter season, when the entire Church celebrates the Lord’s Resurrection and renews its hope in the new life that stems from the Paschal Mystery.
This is a fitting occasion to reflect on the universality of the Church and the importance of dialogue.
In light of Christ’s resurrection, the Church recognizes that she is sent to all peoples— not by imposing herself, but by bearing witness to the truth in charity.
In turn, dialogue strengthens communion.
It opens paths of understanding and serves the cause of peace.
Through dialogue, Christ draws all things to himself, making the Church a sign of unity and hope for the world.
These elements are deeply rooted in the history of your archdiocese, which has demonstrated prophetic openness to the universal dimension of the church through a willingness to engage with different peoples and cultures.
In 1954, under the guidance of Cardinal Josef Frings and Vicar General Josef Teusch, the Archdiocese of Cologne established a partnership with the Archdiocese of Tokyo — the first of its kind in Germany.
Cardinal Frings and Vicar General Teusch also pioneered foundational aid initiatives such as Misereor and Adveniat. These initiatives laid the groundwork for the establishment of Weltkirche–Weltmission (World Church–World Mission) in 1976.
The vision of the Church as truly universal, called to solidarity beyond the confines of Europe and sustained through a culture of dialogue, remains at the heart of your organization’s identity.
Inspired by this same spirit, the Archdiocese of Cologne became a founding member of the Meeting of Aid Agencies for the Eastern Churches (ROACO). For many years, the Archdiocese has provided relief to regions affected by famine, flooding, war, and other crises.
The Archdiocese also maintains relationships with churches in over one hundred countries, paying special attention to those in the Middle East and the Eastern Churches. Additionally, it provides scholarships for priestly formation and assistance to elderly priests.
When I was bishop in Peru, in Chiclayo, the Archdiocese of Cologne supported many initiatives, including the purchase of oxygen-producing machines that saved many lives.
The people are still grateful for that support today.
In light of this rich legacy, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all that you do.
Through your generous service, the universal dimension of the Church becomes visible and concrete. This fosters solidarity, strengthens bonds of unity, and bears witness to the Gospel of peace in a world so often marked by division and distress.
Such witness is all the more necessary today.
Many of our Christian brothers and sisters have been forced to flee their homelands due to war, violence, and poverty. Many of them depend on your commitment and kindness for their survival.
Therefore, I encourage you to persevere in this charitable mission so that they may experience the closeness of the universal Church.
In particular, I ask you to continue supporting the presence of Christians in the Middle East to ensure that the venerable traditions of the Eastern Churches are preserved and safeguarded and become better known.
With these sentiments in mind, I pray that your days of retreat, reflection, and renewal in Rome will be a source of strength and encouragement.
I entrust you and your loved ones to the maternal protection of Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church.
As a sign of my closeness, I gladly give you my apostolic blessing. Thank you.
