Pope encourages U.S. Catholic donors to act synodally, with love

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- "Love always transforms, changes things," Pope Francis told a group of Catholic philanthropists from the United States.

Meeting Nov. 11 with members of FADICA, a network of foundations and donors supporting Catholic activities and initiatives, the pope spoke to them about what it means for the Catholic Church to be a "'synodal' community."

That vision of the church, he said, is "grounded in our shared baptismal dignity and co-responsibility for the church's mission as we face a time of epochal change and its consequences for the future of our human family."

Members were making their annual pilgrimage to Rome, which was to include a symposium, meetings with Vatican officials and a retreat.

A member of the group told Catholic News Service they expressed to the pope their gratitude for his commitment to the poor, to the environment and to promoting synodality to encourage all Catholics to be actively involved missionary disciples.

FADICA, the pope said, "is naturally 'synodal' in that it counts on the common vision, commitment and cooperation of so many individuals, families and foundations."

And he asked them to ensure that "this synodal spirit of solidarity and generous concern for others will always be nurtured by a sense of gratitude for the abundant gifts the Lord has bestowed upon us and an ever-deeper experience of the transforming power of his love," which "always transforms, changes things."

Pope Francis thanked the foundations and donors for the support they give Vatican offices "that seek to discern the signs of the times and to help the universal church to respond with wisdom, charity and foresightedness to the needs and challenges of the present moment."

The pope also thanked them for "your quiet encouragement of so many initiatives that enrich the life and apostolate of the church in the United States."

Quoting his recent encyclical, "'Dilexit nos' ('He loved us'): on the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ," Pope Francis prayed that they would "keep experiencing the joy born of our efforts to share the love of Christ with others."