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ncregister.com - 2026.06.18 - Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the value of the Eastern Catholic Churches, warning that failing to understand them is harmful to the Church. In a private audience with members of the Reunion of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches on June 18, Leo highlighted the great gift of the Eastern Churches in communion with Rome. He also explained that these Churches offer Catholics a rich diversity, often unknown to the wider Church. “Yes, the Eastern Catholic Churches have a great gift to offer the entire Catholic community, which is often unaware of the diverse ecclesial traditions within its ranks,” the Pope said. “The Christian East can only be preserved if it is understood: to lose that understanding is to impoverish the Church.” Leo also stressed the importance of seminary formation for Eastern Catholics preparing for the clergy. He stated that this can help Catholics appreciate not only their own heritage but also that of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Read the full article here: https://www.ncregister.com/cna/pope-leo-xiv-failure-to-understand-eastern-christianity-impoverishes-the-church