File photo: Pope Francis signs a document
Pope: Church history cannot be
reduced to mere chronological facts
Pope Francis calls for a renewed
study of Church history, and emphasizes collective memory, reconciliation, and
a deeper engagement with primary sources to navigate the present with wisdom
and faith.
By Francesca Merlo
In a letter published on
Thursday, November 21, Pope Francis called for a profound renewal in the study
of Church history, urging seminarians, clergy, and the faithful to embrace
history, which continues to play a role in their daily lives.
History as collective memory
In the letter, the Pope reflected
on the value of history as a communal inheritance, stressing that the study of
the Church goes beyond memorising dates and events.
It is about keeping "the
flame of collective conscience alive," he said, explaining that by doing
so, the faithful can navigate the present with a clearer sense of perspective,
rooted in the Church’s lived experience across centuries.
Pope Francis went on to speak of
"deconstructionism," which he described as being a growing trend in
today’s culture.
The one thing deconstructionism
can leave in its wake, he wrote, "is the drive to limitless consumption
and expressions of empty individualism."
These tendencies, the Pope
warned, often appear as "a form of blindness that drive us to waste our
energies on a world that does not exist, raising false problems and veering towards
inadequate solutions."
The Church in all her
imperfections
Pope Francis then warned against
idealising the Church to the point of detachment from her human, and often
flawed, journey.
True love for the Church, the
Pope insisted, is rooted in her authenticity, not an imagined perfection.
He stressed the importance of
loving the Church as she truly is, emphasising the strength of learning from
her failures.
"A Church that, even in her
darkest moments, is conscious of her deepest identity can be capable of
understanding the imperfect and wounded world in which she lives," he
said. "In her efforts to bring healing and renewal to the world, she will
use the same means by which she strives to heal and renew herself, even if she
at times does not succeed."
Memory and reconciliation
Speaking of the importance of
preserving history within the Church and in society, Pope Francis cautioned
against the "cancel culture" and partisan historical narratives that
distort the past to justify present ideologies.
Instead, he continued, we need a
balanced engagement with history, recognising both humanity's darkest chapters
and moments of extraordinary grace.
Memory, he stressed, "is not
an obstacle to progress but a foundation for justice and fraternity."
Reformation of historical
studies
Near the end of his letter, Pope
Francis touched on several areas for renewal in the study of the history of the
Church.
He criticised approaches that
reduce Church history to mere chronological facts, and highlighted the need for
a passionate, engaged study of history.
He also called for greater
emphasis on primary sources, urging seminarians to engage deeply with early
Christian writings.
"What is needed is a
personal and collective passion, an engagement proper to those who are
committed to evangelisation, and who have not chosen a neutral or sterile
position," said the Pope, emphasising the importance of giving volume to
the voices of the marginalised.
Martydom
Finally, the Pope reflected on
the centrality of martyrdom in Church history, reminding the faithful that the
Church has often found her greatest beauty in moments of persecution and
suffering, when her witness to Christ shone brightest.
"The Church herself also
recognises that she has benefited and is still benefiting from the opposition
of her enemies and persecutors," explained the Pope.
Bringing his letter to a close,
the Pope emphasised the importance of studying history, reminding the faithful
that "study is not gossip."
True study, he concluded,
requires the courage to ask deep questions and resist the distractions of
cultural consumerism.
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