Pope calls historians to be experts in and servants of humanity
By Christopher Wells
Historians have “a specific contribution” to make in the dialogue between the Church and the modern world, Pope Francis said on Saturday, quoting his predecessor St Paul VI.
Addressing members of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences during their plenary meeting, the Holy Father highlighted their “international dimension and multicultural dynamic” as well as their “commitment to the search for historical truth on global scale.”
He said the “enriching” approach of the Committee can contribute to the “cultural diplomacy” necessary in the face of ongoing global conflict, and called upon members to “open horizons of dialogue where you can bring the light of the hope of the Gospel.”
Building a civilization of encounter
Pope Francis highlighted the “proximity” that exists between historians and the Church, a closeness based on the common search for the truth and service to the truth. Quoting Paul VI once again, Pope Francis said, “The Church walks in history, with women and men of every age, and does not belong to any culture, but desires to vivify the heart of every culture with the meek and courageous witness of the Gospel, to build together the civilization of encounter.”
This attitude is opposed to the “incivility of confrontation” that is nourished by self-referentiality and ideology. The Pope warned against a Church focused on itself, recalling Church’s mission to be “a truly humble and excellent intermediary between the Divine Saviour and humanity.”
Recalling that this year the Committee celebrates the 70th anniversary of its foundation, Pope Francis called on members “to conform your work to these words,” and expressed his hope that their studies in history might make them, like the Church, “experts in humanity and servants of humanity.”
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