Vatican City: As the Holy Year of Jubilee unfolds, the global Church embraces the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, a guiding vision not only for personal renewal but for the Church’s diplomatic mission in a troubled world. On June 9, members of the Roman Curia, Apostolic Nuncios, and the Vatican Governorate gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome to mark this sacred occasion. Among them was Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt, Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, who shared with Vatican News a profound reflection on the spiritual and diplomatic resonance of the Jubilee.

For Archbishop Bettencourt, the Jubilee is much more than a ceremonial milestone—it is a sacred pause along humanity’s shared journey. “Pilgrims of Hope” captures the essence of life as a spiritual expedition, calling the faithful to renewal, reconciliation, and recommitment to their deepest convictions. “The Jubilee is a Year of Grace,” he emphasized, “rooted in the Church’s Scriptural and historical memory. It reminds us that we rely on God’s mercy to sustain and give meaning to our endeavors.”

Archbishop Bettencourt underscored that Vatican diplomacy operates on distinct moral and theological foundations. While engaging on the world stage, the Holy See is not driven by political gain, but by the pursuit of peace, human dignity, and spiritual solidarity. It remains committed to international norms, yet always grounded in its Gospel-centered identity.

“The Apostolic Nuncios serve across vastly different contexts,” he said, “but our mission is unified by fidelity to the Holy Father and the Church’s call to be present wherever the faithful are. In this Jubilee, we come together for the first time with Pope Leo XIV, reaffirming our unity and collective commitment.”

In today’s fragmented world, hope is not a fleeting emotion—it is a resilient virtue. “Hope gives us perseverance, and perseverance gives rise to service,” he said. “It enables us to serve not only with conviction but with love rooted in faith.” For Archbishop Bettencourt, this theological virtue fuels the work of papal representatives, who operate on the frontlines of cultural, political, and humanitarian challenges.

In the heart of Central Africa and elsewhere, the Church is not a distant institution, but an intimate presence. Archbishop Bettencourt echoed Pope St. Paul VI’s vision of the Church as a “school of humanity”—one that journeys alongside people through joy and suffering alike.

“Whether offering education, health care, or development aid, the Church always draws from the Gospel,” he said. “Each diplomatic mission is not only a voice for the Holy Father—it is a living sign of the Church’s care for every local community and the value of each diocese within the broader communion.”

The Archbishop highlighted that proximity—being near to people in their lived reality—is the foundation of Christian witness. In societies marked by conflict, poverty, or instability, he insisted, the Church must embody the message of Jesus in word and deed. “Our presence must reflect Christ’s message of peace, justice, and reconciliation—always, in every age and every situation.”

Looking toward the Church’s evangelizing role, Archbishop Bettencourt reaffirmed that the proclamation of the Gospel remains timeless and urgent. “We are not inventing a new mission,” he said. “Our role is to retell and relive the power of Christ’s message—renewed in each generation.”

He concluded with a call to courage: “The world’s trials are not threats, but opportunities. The Church has always been shaped by saints—both canonized and unsung—who faced immense challenges. We are heirs to their witness and stewards of their legacy. As Catholics, we must remain bold in bearing Christ’s light.”

In a world longing for healing, the Holy See’s diplomacy seeks solutions through dialogue, not division. It builds bridges, fosters understanding, and promotes the values of peace, solidarity, and development. As Archbishop Bettencourt reminds us, “The Church’s diplomacy is not about power—it’s about presence. A presence that points always to Christ, the source of all hope.”