Apostolic Nuncio Speaks on Christian Hope at Sacred Heart

Cardinal reflects on Pope Francis’ teachings and calls students to embrace compassion, courage and dignity in their faith journey

His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States and representative of the pope, spoke on the power of Christian hope during a lecture at Sacred Heart University in October.  

Pierre, who entered seminary in 1963 and was ordained in 1970, has served the Catholic Church around the world with assignments in Haiti, Uganda, Mexico and now the United States. SHU awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2017 for his lifelong service. 

In his talk—which was part of SHU’s Bergoglio Lecture Series— Pierre reflected on the teachings of Pope Francis and Pope Leo, describing hope as an essential condition that makes it possible to live and move forward even in times of uncertainty.  

“Christian hope unites and sends forth,” said Pierre. “The joy is that we are accompanied by God and our brothers and sisters on the journey.” 

He emphasized that hope is active and liberating, calling Christians to works of mercy, compassion and justice. Linking hope to the Gospel, he said that it is realized through love for those who suffer and through courage to resist despair.  

Pierre praised Pope Francis for living authentically and remaining close to the people. He highlighted the pope’s consistent denunciation of an “economic system that kills” and his call to evangelize with passion. Rather than opposing ideologies, Piere said, Pope Francis proposed a living relationship with the risen Christ.  

“Hope does not disappoint,” said Pierre, echoing Pope Francis’ message that light dispels darkness. He urged students not to accept the status quo but instead to “think big, dream big” and see hope as a force that sustains a different perspective.  

Reflecting on Pope Leo’s meditation on the crucifixion, Pierre said that Jesus did not cry out against his Father but for Him. Even in silence and suffering, he said, God was present and so was hope.  

Pierre told the Sacred Heart community that Christian hope is both a gift and a responsibility: an invitation to share the good news, to work for dignity and communion among people and to heal personal and social wounds.