Pope extends support, blessing to Pinoy bishops in biannual meet

MANILA – Pope Francis has expressed his support and blessings to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) as it held its two-day virtual plenary assembly starting Tuesday.

According to the CBCP news website, the pontiff’s message was read by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown during the conference’s 121st plenary assembly.

In his message, the Holy Father hoped that their deliberations will lead to “more creative expressions” of pastoral charity.

The Holy Father also urged the Catholic prelates to continue their efforts in giving concrete witness to “evangelical charity” in the midst of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The Filipino bishops are expected to discuss issues that affect the Church and the country during the meeting.

The assembly is taking place in an online format due to the health crisis.

As of Tuesday, over 80 bishops are gathered for the biannual meeting, which is being held in January and July.

Among the items in the agenda are the reports from the nine regional representatives of the CBCP Permanent Council about their situation amid the pandemic, their responses and plans of action.

Also expected to be discussed are the plans for this year’s 500th celebration of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines.