Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Jul 27, 2013 / 13:40 pm
Pope Francis told an assembly of the Brazilian bishops that the Church must be founded on unity in the abundance of diversity, rather than a narrow uniformity.
"The Church in Brazil … needs a network of regional 'testimonies' which speak the same language and in every place ensure not unanimity, but true unity in the richness of diversity, Pope Francis told the more than 300 bishops gathered at the John Paul II building of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro July 27.
The Bishop of Rome opened his remarks to his brother bishops, the bulk of which he delivered in Spanish, by making known his wish to "enjoy this moment of repose, exchange of ideas and authentic fraternity" with them, adding that "I want to embrace each and every one of you," especially the bishops emeritus.
He spoke at length about the story of Our Lady of Aparecida, emphasizing that "only the beauty of God" can attract man's heart, and that the Church's power resides not in herself but is "hidden in the deep waters of God."