During his first visit to the international headquarters of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) since being appointed president of the pontifical foundation, Cardinal Kurt Koch highlighted the importance of the charity’s defense of religious freedom and its vital ecumenical dimension.
The Swiss Cardinal, who also heads the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, visited the Königstein headquarters on Tuesday, February 3rd. During the encounter, he encouraged the staff to continue providing assistance to Christians in need, emphasizing that support must be both material and spiritual.
“We are called to help these people. As far as we can, monetarily, but the most important thing is that we think of them and that we pray for them. Again and again, I experience that people in need say to me: ‘It is important that you do not leave us alone. Think of us, pray for us.’ And if we can also support them financially, then that is good too.”
The Primacy of the Spiritual in Humanitarian Aid
Citing Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Koch reminded those present that the mission of the Church and foundations like ACN transcends mere material assistance. Faith is the core that gives meaning to every charitable action.
“Whoever does not give people God is giving them too little. This is the most important sentence of Benedict XVI. Of course, we have to give material things, but we must not forget to give the soul, to give the message of faith. We must not forget the new evangelization, because faith is very weak in some of our regions.”
A Common Mission of Unity and Ecumenism
During his conversation with the staff, the Cardinal pointed out the similarities between the dicastery he heads and ACN’s mission. Both share an important ecumenical and social dimension by dealing directly with various expressions of Christianity worldwide. He stressed that, despite plurality, maintaining a common spirit of unity is vital to overcoming conflict.
“As said by the Second Vatican Council, the Church is a sign and instrument for the unity of humanity and its relationship with God. And only when the Church, despite differences, is united, can it be a sign and instrument for the society, for the world.”
Finally, Cardinal Kurt Koch thanked all ACN staff members for their service to the universal Church, expressing his great pleasure in presiding over this «beautiful organization.»
