In a moving homily during the 7th Novemdiales Mass held at St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti painted a portrait of the Church as a tapestry of traditions woven together by faith, diversity, and shared hope in the Resurrection. With the passing of Pope Francis still fresh in the hearts of the faithful, the Cardinal offered both tribute and a call to action—urging believers to embrace the spiritual wealth offered by the Eastern Churches.
Reflecting on the Easter season and the resurrection of Christ, Cardinal Gugerotti reminded the congregation that resurrection is not born from human strength, but is a divine mystery gifted by the Spirit of God. “Through His Spirit,” he said, “we are made children of God—calling Him ‘Abba, Father’ along with all of creation.” Yet he lamented that in today's world, both creation and the human soul often feel devalued, disconnected from the sacred rhythm of the divine.
“Creation is not merely a backdrop to our lives,” he said. “It is a partner in our pilgrimage—longing for our solidarity just as we seek its harmony.” This reflection echoed themes close to the late Pope Francis, who championed ecological unity as part of spiritual life.
East and West: A Sacred Reunion
But it was the rich presence of Eastern Catholic communities that became the heartbeat of the Cardinal’s homily. The Basilica was alive with chants, vestments, and liturgical traditions from the East, creating a visual and spiritual harmony that spoke volumes.
“These Eastern brothers and sisters,” he said, “carry the fragrance of Christianity’s earliest roots—from the lands where Christ once walked.” He celebrated their willingness to enrich the Church’s universality through their unique cultures, languages, and spiritual expressions.
Acknowledging past misunderstandings between Western and Eastern traditions, the Cardinal called this moment a chance for reconciliation and renewed fraternity. “Today, Pope Francis—who always embraced the beauty of diversity—surely rejoices in heaven, seeing us gathered in prayer, not only for him, but with him.”
A Plea for Compassion and Solidarity
With deep concern, Cardinal Gugerotti drew attention to the plight of many Eastern Christians, displaced from their ancestral homes due to conflict and persecution. He appealed to the Church to walk beside them—not only in sympathy, but in active support. “Let us help them remain firm in faith, even as they are forced to leave behind lands that have echoed with prayer since apostolic times.”
To close, he turned to the mysticism of the East, reciting a soul-stirring prayer by St. Symeon the New Theologian. A prayer, he urged, that should guide the Cardinals as they prepare for the sacred task of the conclave ahead:
“Come, true light… come, light without evening… come, unfailing hope of all who are to be saved…”
A reminder that in the unity of East and West, in the blending of ancient chants and modern prayers, the Church breathes with both lungs—and the Spirit moves in all.