In the midst of a troubled world, the Church is called to be a catalyst of hope. In this article, Wilmer Moyetones reflects, in light of the Jubilee and the pontificate of Pope Francis, on the role of each believer in the transformation of the Church and society.
A world crying out for hope
We are living a Jubilee year at the ecclesial level under the motto “Pilgrims of Hope”, but the global context could not be more challenging: wars, confrontations, social injustice, corruption, violence, hunger, informal economy and ecological deterioration make hope seem absent. We know that hope does not disappoint, but for that to be fulfilled, we need men and women who embody it.
What does it mean to be catalysts?
Faced with this convulsed world, we need a catalytic converter, or rather many catalytic converters. What is their function? In a vehicle, a catalytic converter reduces polluting emissions by transforming the harmful gases resulting from internal combustion (CO, NOx…) into others that are less harmful to health. This process is called catalysis; in short, it is an engine component that contributes to the control and reduction of toxic gases.
Applying this image, we, as pilgrims of hope, are called to fulfill the same function: to reduce the negativity of the environment and generate hope. In times of change, which are also times of opportunity, we must act as catalysts both from the Church and on a personal level.
Pope Francis’s impulse
The pontificate of Pope Francis has proclaimed a new mission for the Church: a renewed way of being believers in the world and of acting in society, building bridges and drawing closer as brothers and sisters. With our hope, we can neutralize attitudes harmful to coexistence and contribute to building a more joyful and hopeful Church.
To achieve this, it is necessary to cultivate attitudes of listening, dialogue and service. If, on the contrary, our attitudes are closed ears, imposition and thirst for power, we will not advance. We will repeat the same mistakes, no matter who is at the head of the Church. If we do not act as catalysts, we will be contaminated, and the dream of Jesus, together with the desire of the Pope, will not become a reality.
A pastoral conversion in progress
We are going through a stage in which the Church has begun to explore new spiritual paths. We must travel them without fear, incorporating new methods, techniques and pastoral forms. The renewal of the Church depends on each one of us; that is why a real personal and pastoral conversion is needed.
The final document of the Synod on Synodality-which means “walking together”-reminded us of the importance of listening to one another, setting aside prejudices, mental schemes and comforts. Now is the time to put these orientations into practice so that they become catalysts of hope for the Church and for society. Otherwise, they will remain on paper, filed away in our libraries.
Towards a transforming and fraternal Church
The Church was also born in a context of “toxic gases” – conflicts and persecutions – and grew amid divisions and tensions. Its history bears witness to progress and setbacks. The temptation of power can blind even the most pious, but there is hope where there are people willing to be with the suffering and the most vulnerable, in those places where no one wants to be.
Pope Francis has always dreamed of a Church that stops looking at itself and places Jesus Christ and his Gospel at the center. Only in this way can we be a reference for believers and non-believers alike: a Church of all and for all, where everyone can feel that they are brothers and sisters, just as the Father and the Son are one.
Wilmer Moyetones
Lima, 2025