KUCHING: The Association of Churches Sarawak (ACS) has called for renewed global moral leadership amid deepening global crises, following the election of Pope Leo XIV as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.
ACS Chairman, Datuk Danald Jute, said the world is in dire need of courageous spiritual leadership as it grapples with war, economic uncertainty, religious extremism, poverty and environmental degradation.
“These crises bring tremendous suffering, especially to the most innocent and vulnerable in society,” he said in his statement.
Welcoming Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on a missionary Church rooted in compassion, justice and peace, Danald commended the Pope’s focus on dialogue and unity, describing it as a necessary antidote to the growing divisions across nations and communities.
“The Pope’s vision for the Church to walk with those who suffer, and to proclaim the unconditional love of God, is both timely and necessary.
“We are especially encouraged by his summons to all the faithful to visible unity without fear,” he added.
ACS also expressed its prayerful support for Pope Leo XIV, asking that his pontificate be marked by faithfulness, clarity of vision and voice, courage and love, wrapped in humility of service, modelled by the Lord, Jesus Christ.
He also reflects hopes among Christian leaders in the region that Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will transcend denominational boundaries, and inspire cooperative efforts toward peace and human dignity worldwide.
