Pope Leo calls for promoting \u2018cultural diplomacy\u2019 to overcome borders and prejudices Pope Leo XIV on Dec. 11 emphasized the academic, cultural, and ecclesial value of archaeology and called for the promotion of \u201ccultural diplomacy\u201d to overcome borders and prejudices. Receiving members of the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeologyin an audience, the pope emphasized that its literary and monumental sources constitute an essential part of the \u201croots\u201d of European society and nations. \u201cTake part through your studies in that cultural diplomacy that the world so desperately needs in our day,\u201d the pope urged, addressing the faculty, students, and staff of the center. To introduce his reflection, he referenced the motu proprio I Primitivi Cemeteri (\u201cThe Primitive Cemeteries\u201d), published exactly a century ago by Pius XI, in which he emphasized the Church\u2019s responsibility for protecting its sacred heritage. Pius XI then decided to add a new body to the work of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology and the Pontifical Roman Academy of Archaeology: the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology, created to \u201cguide willing young people from all countries and nations toward the study and scientific research of the monuments of Christian antiquity.\u201d A century later, Leo XIV affirmed, this mission remains fully relevant. The scientific dignity of Christian archaeology The pope took the opportunity to present to those present his new apostolic letter, in which he emphasizes the importance of Christian archaeology. He pointed out that this field, focused on the monuments of the first centuries of Christianity, possesses its own \u201cepistemological status,\u201d with specific \u201cchronological, historical, and thematic coordinates.\u201d However, he lamented that in some circles it continues to be included without distinction within medieval archaeology. \u201cIn this regard, I suggest that they become upholders of the specificity of their discipline, in which the adjective \u2018Christian\u2019 is not intended to be an expression of a confessional perspective but rather a qualifier of the discipline itself with scientific and professional dignity,\u201d he urged. A bridge to ecumenism Leo XIV emphasized the ecumenical nature of Christian archaeology, alluding to its capacity to recall a time when the Church remained united. Its study, he affirmed, is \u201ca valuable instrument for ecumenism,\u201d as it allows the various Christian traditions to recognize a common heritage. He also recounted that during his recent apostolic journey to \u0130znik \u2014 ancient Nicaea \u2014 in Turkey, where he commemorated the 1,700th anniversary of the first ecumenical council with representatives of other churches, he was able to personally witness this reality: \u201cThe presence of the remains of ancient Christian buildings was moving and motivating for all of us.\u201d The pope also welcomed the fact that the institute had dedicated a day of study to the topic, in collaboration with the Dicastery for Evangelization. The power of \u2018cultural diplomacy\u2019 For the pope, rigorous study and historical research constitute a privileged way of building bridges: \u201cThrough culture, the human spirit transcends the boundaries of nations and overcomes the barriers of prejudice to place itself at the service of the common good. You too can contribute to building bridges, fostering encounters, and nurturing harmony.\u201d He also noted that the institute is symbolically situated between two major jubilee themes: peace, the central theme of the holy year of 1925, and hope, the focus of the current jubilee. \u201cAnd, in fact, you are bearers of peace and hope wherever you operate with your excavations and research, so that, recognizing your white and red banner with the image of the Good Shepherd, doors may be opened wide to you not only as bearers of knowledge and science but also as heralds of peace.\u201d Christianity, the root of Europe Finally, Leo XIV recalled the words of St. John Paul II on the Christian roots of Europe, remembering his affirmation that the continent \u201cneeds Christ and the Gospel, because here lie the roots of all its peoples.\u201d \u201cAmong the roots of European society and nations is undoubtedly Christianity, with its literary and monumental sources; and the work of archaeologists is a response to the call I have just evoked,\u201d he stated. This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA\u2019s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp Victoria Cardiel Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. More news related to this article Winter In War-torn Ukraine Pope Benedict XVI, a Pope at the service of Truth Preparing for Jubilee 2025: Explore the History and Art of Jubilees | New Diploma Announcement Pope Francis to Meet Relatives of Israeli Hostages and Palestinian Families from Gaza Pope Francis greets Russian Orthodox metropolitan after audience Rome To Host Ecumenical Vigil During Week Of Prayer For Christian Unity<\/p>\n