Today in Bari, in the “Enrico Nicodemo” Main Hall of the ecumenical-patristic Institute of Theology, a conference is being held in Bari on the theme: The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas in the Apostolic Constitutions of the Supreme Pontiffs. Canonical, Pastoral and Ecumenical Aspects", with the participation of His Eminence Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and of H.E. Msgr. Nunzio Galantino, president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, for the 50th anniversary of the elevation of the Basilica of Saint Nicholas to “Pontifical Basilica”. In addition, Cardinal Becciu will preside at the ceremonies for the commemorative event.

The following is the Letter sent by the Holy Father Francis for the event to H.E. Msgr. Francesco Cacucci, archbishop of Bari-Bitonto, Pontifical Delegate of the Basilica of Saint Nicholas:

Letter of the Holy Father

To the dear brother
Msgr. Francesco CACUCCI
Archbishop of Bari-Bitonto
Pontifical Delegate of the Basilica of Saint Nicholas

Fifty years have passed since my predecessor Saint Paul VI elevated the Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Bari to a Pontifical Basilica, attributing the office of Pontifical Delegate to the Archbishop pro tempore of Bari. This important occasion is a source of joy for the archdiocese, for the city and for the Region of Apulia, for the Order of the Preachers that guards the sacred temple, and for all Catholicity since this place of faith, prayer, meeting and dialogue has favoured the ecumenical movement.

In recent years, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, so singularly linked to the Holy See, has been able to manifest its specific vocation intended to inspire the journey of Christian unity. This has been facilitated by the sincere devotion to the Holy Bishop of Myra by the faithful of the East and of the West. My thoughts go to all those who in any way have cooperated in liturgical, pastoral, cultural and above all ecumenical activity, the fruits of which I have witnessed personally in my recent visit at the meeting of prayer and reflection with the Heads of Churches present in the Middle East.

I encourage all those who work with different responsibilities in the pastoral care of this historic and famous Basilica to continue their service with a spirit of collaboration and renewed apostolic zeal, helping the pilgrims and the people who visit it and look to it with confidence to rediscover its spiritual importance. It is a matter of promoting in the faithful the path of assiduous search for God, nurtured by intense piety and an insatiable longing for contemplation. Prayer has an extraordinary evangelizing force and is necessary for the achievement of full communion among Christians.

I hope that the significant fiftieth anniversary is also a reason for a renewed interest in the study of the historical events of the Pontifical Basilica, of the figure of Saint Nicholas, as well as of ecumenical theology. Scientific reflection, accompanied by planned cultural manifestations, can be combined with piety, liturgy and worship of the Saint, making a valid contribution to ecumenical relations between Catholic and Orthodox communities.

With these sentiments, invoking the intercession of the Virgin Mary and Saint Nicholas, I cordially impart the Apostolic Blessing to you and to the entire diocesan community, to Cardinal Angelo Becciu who presides over the commemorative event, to the Dominican Fathers, to the promoters and speakers of the conference and to those taking part in the evocative ceremonies.

From the Vatican, 24 November 2018-11-24

FRANCIS