Pope: Church history cannot be reduced to mere chronological facts

By Francesca Merlo

In a letter published on Thursday, November 21, Pope Francis called for a profound renewal in the study of Church history, urging seminarians, clergy, and the faithful to embrace history, which continues to play a role in their daily lives.

History as collective memory

In the letter, the Pope reflected on the value of history as a communal inheritance, stressing that the study of the Church goes beyond memorising dates and events.

It is about keeping "the flame of collective conscience alive," he said, explaining that by doing so, the faithful can navigate the present with a clearer sense of perspective, rooted in the Church’s lived experience across centuries.

Pope Francis went on to speak of "deconstructionism," which he described as being a growing trend in today’s culture.

The one thing deconstructionism can leave in its wake, he wrote, "is the drive to limitless consumption and expressions of empty individualism."

These tendencies, the Pope warned, often appear as "a form of blindness that drive us to waste our energies on a world that does not exist, raising false problems and veering towards inadequate solutions."

The Church in all her imperfections

Pope Francis then warned against idealising the Church to the point of detachment from her human, and often flawed, journey.

True love for the Church, the Pope insisted, is rooted in her authenticity, not an imagined perfection.

He stressed the importance of loving the Church as she truly is, emphasising the strength of learning from her failures.

"A Church that, even in her darkest moments, is conscious of her deepest identity can be capable of understanding the imperfect and wounded world in which she lives," he said. "In her efforts to bring healing and renewal to the world, she will use the same means by which she strives to heal and renew herself, even if she at times does not succeed."

Memory and reconciliation

Speaking of the importance of preserving history within the Church and in society, Pope Francis cautioned against the "cancel culture" and partisan historical narratives that distort the past to justify present ideologies.

Instead, he continued, we need a balanced engagement with history, recognising both humanity's darkest chapters and moments of extraordinary grace.

Memory, he stressed, "is not an obstacle to progress but a foundation for justice and fraternity."

Reformation of historical studies

Near the end of his letter, Pope Francis touched on several areas for renewal in the study of the history of the Church.

He criticised approaches that reduce Church history to mere chronological facts, and highlighted the need for a passionate, engaged study of history.

He also called for greater emphasis on primary sources, urging seminarians to engage deeply with early Christian writings.

"What is needed is a personal and collective passion, an engagement proper to those who are committed to evangelisation, and who have not chosen a neutral or sterile position," said the Pope, emphasising the importance of giving volume to the voices of the marginalised.

Martydom

Finally, the Pope reflected on the centrality of martyrdom in Church history, reminding the faithful that the Church has often found her greatest beauty in moments of persecution and suffering, when her witness to Christ shone brightest.

"The Church herself also recognises that she has benefited and is still benefiting from the opposition of her enemies and persecutors," explained the Pope.

Bringing his letter to a close, the Pope emphasised the importance of studying history, reminding the faithful that "study is not gossip."

True study, he concluded, requires the courage to ask deep questions and resist the distractions of cultural consumerism.