Waldensian Synod responds to Pope Francis’ request for forgiveness

On June 22, 2015, Pope Francis requested forgiveness for historic persecutions and killings the Catholic church perpetrated against Waldensian Christians, a European evangelical movement and church that one pope more than 830 years ago excommunicated and another 430 years ago ordered exterminated.

“On behalf of the Catholic Church I ask forgiveness for the non Christian – and not even human – attitudes and behaviors, which through history, we had against you. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us!”  At the invitation of the Waldensian Church (Union of Waldensian and Methodist churches), the Pope crossed the threshold of a Waldensian church, knocking down walls 800 years high.

At its Synod meeting this year, the Waldensian Church replied with the following historic letter, which received with welcome the overture, and offered prayers for the Pope.