Pope Francis: "St. Josemaria is a precursor of Vatican II"

In a message sent by the new Secretary of State Archbishop Pietro Parolin for the symposium on St. Josemaria's contribution to theology, Pope Francis speaks about the Founder's teachings.

On the occasion of the International Symposium on "Saint Josemaria Escriva and Theological Thought," organized at the end of the Year of Faith by the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, an academic institution inspired by him, the Supreme Pontiff Pope Francis addresses his affectionate greetings to everyone involved. He does so with the hope that the wonderful example of the priestly life of the holy Founder, a precursor of Vatican II in stressing the universal call to holiness, may inspire in all the faithful of the great family of Opus Dei a renewed conviction that believers, by virtue of baptism which incorporates them into Christ, are called to be holy and to help further with their daily work the salvation of all mankind.

His Holiness, while recalling the perennial truth preached by Saint Josemaria Escriva with his words and his life (that the fruitfulness of all apostolate lies in prayer and in an intense and constant sacramental life), asks for prayers for himself and for his ministry. And invoking the light of the Holy Spirit for a fruitful work of reflection, he imparts his Apostolic Blessing to the Rector and the faculty, including all those taking part in the conference and everyone at the Pontifical University.

Archbishop Pietro Parolin

Secretary of State of his Holiness

Telegram sent in Italian to the Prelate of Opus Dei