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“Holiness transcends denominational boundaries”, said Pope Francis while meeting a delegation of the Salvation Army.
The pope was quoting a comment made by former Salvationist leader General Andre Cox during a 2014 papal audience.
During the audience, Francis also recalled the first lesson he ever received in ecumenism.
He was four years old and met several members of the Salvation Army while with his grandmother.
As an impressionable young boy, he recalled that despite his grandmother having a bias against Protestants in general, she praised the Salvationists as being good people.
“The example of humble service to the least of our brothers and sisters spoke louder than any words,” he said.
“The holiness that shows itself in concrete acts of goodness, solidarity, and healing speaks to the heart and testifies to the authenticity of our discipleship.”
The pope urged Catholics and Salvationists to work well together on this basis, saying, loving acts of service and charity help build the Kingdom of God, they attract and influence others.
Young people, in particular, need to witness Christians helping others “since in many cases it is absent from their daily experience,” he said.
“In a world where selfishness and divisions abound, the noble fragrance of genuine self-giving love can offer a much-needed antidote and open minds and hearts to the transcendent meaning of our existence,” the pope said.
Thanking the Salvationists for their mission and witness, Pope Francis made special mention of their work caring for the homeless in Rome and their efforts in fighting against human trafficking and other forms of modern-day slavery.
“The holiness that shows itself in concrete acts of goodness, solidarity and healing speaks to the heart and testifies to the authenticity of our discipleship,” said Francis.
Francis met Friday with a delegation from the Salvation Army, led by its international representative and CEO, General Brian Peddle.
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