Dear Friends,

I am pleased to welcome to the Vatican the representatives of the international movement of Bruderhof Communities. You share a tradition in which Christ’s call to discipleship finds expression in common life in the Spirit and in daily witness to the evangelical law of love. Christians always need to hear anew the radical summons to holiness which is the heart of our Savior’s message. Your witness to that message is especially reflected in your respect for God’s creation and your deep commitment to defending the sacredness of all human life.

I greet you with affection in the Lord and I pray that the growing contacts with the Catholic Church which you are fostering will bear fruit in ever greater mutual understanding, respect and cooperation. May God our merciful Father pour out upon you and your communities his abundant blessings of wisdom, joy and peace.