By Matters India Reporter
Jakarta, July 22, 2026: Cardinal Oswald Gracias, special envoy of Pope Leo XIV, opened the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) in Jakarta by urging the Church in Asia to embrace evangelization through interreligious dialogue and ecumenical outreach.
“Our mission, therefore, is to become bridge builders—to become bridges ourselves,” he said in hi homily during the opening Mass July 21 in Jakarta. “We are called to connect people, bring them closer together, reconcile differences, resolve conflicts, and help build peace in the world.”
Cardinal Gracias, retired Archbishop of Bombay, emphasized that evangelization is inseparable from peacebuilding.
“This is evangelization. This is building the Kingdom of God,” he said, stressing that the Church must not remain silent in the face of violence and division. “The Church cannot be an island, we need to share our goods with others.”
Synodality as a gift for Asia
Reflecting on the theme of synodal conversion, Cardinal Gracias noted that synodality is deeply rooted in Asian traditions of family and community.
“For the Church in Asia, I would say that synodality comes naturally. We need only a gentle encouragement toward an even deeper synodal conversion,” he said.
“Indeed, ‘Journeying Together as Peoples of Asia’ has long been the spirit of the FABC.”
He reminded delegates that synodality is not only for the Church but for the wider world.
“Synodality is also for the world. The world needs synodality, needs to learn to work together for the common good,” he said, citing the teaching of Magnifica Humanitatis.
“Political leaders need to understand the meaning of synodality, the values of synodality. If there is true synodality, concern, care and value for the other, this will combat corruption. It can become the critical element for ensuring good governance.”
Interreligious movement for peace
Cardinal Gracias challenged the assembly to consider whether “an interreligious movement for peace” could be the lasting fruit of their gathering.
“Have religious differences sometimes become causes of conflict? Some of us, in our own countries, have personally experienced violence rooted in communal or religious divisions,” he said. “Can we not bring together religious leaders from different traditions to stand united in promoting peace?”
He recalled Pope Francis’ warning that “the Third World War is being fought in piecemeal” and lamented that “conflict, violence, and war have become dominant features of our times.” He added, “At times, he has seemed to be the lone voice speaking out on behalf of humanity.”
The cardinal urged the Church in Asia to respond to these realities with courage and openness. “The openness, the inclusivity preached so much by recent Popes, beginning already with Pope St. John Paul II, can become also the thinking of our neighboring religions,” he said.
“This then is the challenge for the FABC: How to be an evangelizing influencer in a continent so open and receptive.”
A call to action
Cardinal Gracias reminded delegates of the FABC’s history of synodal engagement, from the Bangkok Document to the General Conference.
“The FABC has come of age. It has much to contribute to the world,” he said.
“May the Plenary Assembly be for us another new beginning—seeking unity and creating ways to promote peace and reconciliation and teaching all peoples, to walk with people synodally.”
Quoting Pope Leo XIV’s message to the assembly, he urged bishops and delegates not to shy away from difficult work: “Don’t be afraid to dirty your hands, building the walls of Jerusalem like Nehemiah rather than the tower of Babylon.”
(Photo courtesy FABC)