Pope asks Waldensians for pardon
June 22, 2015
On June 22, Pope Francis concluded his two-day pastoral visit to the northern Italian city of Turin and asked the Waldenses, or Waldensians, for pardon for actions by Catholics in history that “were not Christian, not even human.”
Founded in the 12th century, the group preached apostolic poverty and also held several heretical doctrines. Over the centuries, they experienced persecution, including burnings at the stake, and were the object of a crusade proclaimed by Pope Innocent VIII in 1488.
Visiting the Waldensian Temple, the Pope said that “one of the principal fruits” of the ecumenical movement is the “rediscovery of the brotherhood that unites all those who believe in Jesus Christ and are baptized in his name.”
“The unity which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit does not mean uniformity,” he continued. “Reflecting on the history of our relations, we can only grieve in the face of strife and violence committed in the name of each one’s faith to recognize that we are all sinners and ask the Lord to give us the grace to know to forgive one another.”
“On the part of the Catholic Church, I ask for pardon,” he added. “I ask for pardon for attitudes and behaviors that we have had against you in history that were not Christian, not even human. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us!”
Referring to “the unity of the Eucharistic table for which we long,” the Pope noted differences between Catholics and Waldenses on “important anthropological and ethical issues” but encouraged joint action in evangelization and other areas.
The Pope then left for the archbishop’s residence, where he celebrated Mass for some of his relatives. The day before, he had visited the church were his paternal grandparents were married.
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Further information:
- Pastoral Visit to Turin (21-22 June 2015) (Holy See)
- Pope visits Waldensian temple in Turin (Vatican Radio)
- Waldenses (Catholic Encylopedia, 1912)
- Visit of Pope Francis to Turin a "homecoming" (Vatican Radio)
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