There is a sense of mystery and an understanding of the divine that is, I think, part of many of the religions in Asia, and this certainly opens the door to different kinds of interreligious dialogue. I think this is a treasure for the whole Church: Eastern and Western. I also believe it is something that is valued by many cultures in Asia, and something from which we also, I think, could learn.

Because of this, when we talk about the spirit, about the spirit of synodality and about “Conversation in the Spirit,” there is, if you will, a mystical or contemplative element to it that perhaps we can continue to discover. I do not say “understand,” because I think it goes far beyond understanding. But there is a contact with the divine from which we can all learn, including from many in Asia and in the East.

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Pope Leo XIV

Speech to the Participants of the Jubilee

of the Synodal Teams and Participation Organs

October 24, 2025