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Pope Francis was in Geneva on June 21, 2018. The faithful were ecstatic! And the Holy Father once again won hearts with his benevolent smile and comforting words. Some reflections of the Jesuit Provincial of Switzerland, Fr. Christian Rutishauser.

A visit in three stages

© Céline Fossati

Christian Rutishauser sj observes that the day had three distinct highlights. The Pope's arrival on Swiss soil first of all, with the Pope's meeting with the President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset: "An interview that took place on a political level, with human rights and commitment to ecology as strong themes. The Pope was speaking as head of state, that of the Vatican. Nothing very concrete was to be expected from this meeting, but a confirmation of the common interests between our two States. It was nevertheless important to remember in these unstable times when Donald Trump decided to withdraw the United States from the Human Rights Council and so many other international treaties."

© WCC/AlbinHillert

The second time, of course, was his visit to the World Council of Churches (WCC). "This presence of Francis was a strong gesture, the witness of the Catholic Church's commitment to ecumenism at a time when the question had been bogged down for several years," notes Christian Rutishauser sj. "Francis came as a pilgrim from the unit. That is not insignificant. To opt for ecumenism is to accept to lose part of one's own identity in order to empty oneself of one's convictions and to be more welcoming towards the other. The Pope is well aware of this", underlines the provincial of Switzerland. "The Church is on the road with all Christians, on the road to unity, a road to be travelled together. The Pope's visit was a sign of hope and commitment on this path."

In the opinion of Christian Rutishauser sj, this visit would have gained in strength if it had been the scene of a concretization, of a common declaration of intention on the theological level. "I was a little disappointed that the words exchanged did not lead to a concrete project about any of the theological details we are discussing at the moment such as the Eucharist. We have remained on a level of fraternal exchange and reaffirmation of the need to walk together, without any profound debate having been initiated. And it is a pity", notes the one who participates in the Vatican's discussions on interreligious relations as consultant to the Commission for relations with Vatican Hebraism. It also regrets that the sharing of deep humanist convictions - especially in peacebuilding - has not resulted in a joint official statement with the WCC. "We work together for peace, but no concretization has been sketched out in Geneva, whereas the Pope does on other occasions."

© Diocèse LGF/Jean-Claude Gadmer

The third and final time was the Mass at Palexpo, which closed the papal visit to Switzerland. A Mass lived by some as a strangeness when the Pope's coming had been placed under the sign of ecumenism.

It was a celebration, of course, for Catholics. But it was above all a traditional mass that resembled the one the Pope celebrated in Saint Martha. A mass of daily life, not so solemn or festive, an opportunity for all to pray together. And this simplicity touched Christian Rutishauser sj.

Picture heading © CNS Photo/Paul Haring 

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