In Pope Francis’ May 31, 2023, audience, he looks to Venerable Matteo Ricci, who was instrumental in introducing Christianity and Western scientific ideas to China in the 16th century and whose missionary spirit is a relevant living model to us today.
Ricci was born in Italy in 1552, studied in Jesuit schools, and entered the Society of Jesus in 1571. When hearing reports from missionaries, he was enthusiastic and requested to be sent to missions in the Far East.
After the attempt of Francis Xavier, who was the topic of one of the Pope’s previous Wednesday audiences, an additional 25 Jesuits attempted to enter China to no avail.
To understand the difficulties faced by missionaries to China, one must understand the cultural context. The Chinese were very distrustful of foreigners, and they believed that they did not have anything to learn from outsiders, viewing themselves as the most advanced civilization. Moreover, their culture focused on preserving traditional ways of thought.
Missionaries faced great difficulties in communicating ideas as they tried to explain Christian truths that had little connection to ancient Chinese ways of thinking.
Spreading Christianity throughout China
However, Ricci and one of his colleagues were able to settle in China, and Ricci succeeded in spreading his message despite the unlikely circumstances. “With perseverance and patience, inspired by unshakeable faith, Matteo Ricci was able to overcome difficulties and dangers, mistrust and opposition,” said Pope Francis.
What is it that made it possible for Ricci to succeed compared to the efforts of so many others?
First, Ricci took the time to intensely study and understand Chinese culture, and he adopted an attitude of inculturation. He learned to speak the language — an immensely difficult task — and learned about their customs and ways of thinking. He observed how respected university professors and intellectuals dressed and adopted similar styles.
Additionally, he studied classical Chinese texts so that he could present Christianity in “positive dialogue with their Confucian wisdom and with the customs and traditions of Chinese society”. He found that Confucianism, which was highly valued by Chinese intellectuals and focused on inherited wisdom, was a moral philosophy in tune with reason. He was able to refer to aspects of the natural law that had been articulated by Confucius and then extended that wisdom through the teachings of Christ.
Second, he stirred interest and admiration and cultivated credibility through his extensive mathematical and astronomical knowledge. He used his famous map of the known world to demonstrate that the world and reality outside of China were more extensive than the Chinese previously thought.
An example to us all
All of these things contributed to fruitful encounters and friendly dialogue. Pope Francis points out that “Ricci’s work would never have been possible without collaboration with his great Chinese friends”. Impressively, Ricci has been referred to as “the most outstanding cultural mediator between China and the West of all time”. Pope Francis summed up these points by stating, “The credibility obtained through scientific dialogue gave him the authority to propose the truth of the Christian faith and morality.”
Ricci’s example teaches us the importance of finding points in common with others’ values and perceptions. This is especially true when a person is encountering Christ for the first time. Rather than an individual feeling attacked, diminished, or judged, this approach of understanding allows for a more positive reception.
While there are many challenges to balancing inculturation, Venerable Matteo Ricci serves as an incredible example and witness to the faith.
Pope Francis underlined the point that Ricci’s fame for knowledge and learning should not overshadow the deepest motivation behind all of his efforts: The proclamation of the Gospel.
The Holy Father explained that Ricci and his companions preached, engaged in politics, and were active in the world, but beyond these things, they prayed. They served others humbly in a spirit of charity, without interest in wealth and honor; this is what led many of his Chinese friends and disciples to embrace the faith. “They saw a man who was so intelligent, so wise, so astute . . . in getting things done, and so devout,” said Pope Franics. Ricci’s life and love for the Chinese people is a model for all of us.
We can also learn from the way in which he lived his life with coherence and consistency to his mission and vocation.
Pope Francis noted that this consistency must apply to all Christians as we seek to evangelize, saying, “We can recite the Creed by heart, we can say all the things we believe, but if our life is not consistent with this, it is of no use.” Pope Francis goes on to say, “What attracts people is the witness of consistency.”
The audience concluded with the Holy Father challenging us all to inwardly consider whether we are consistent in our lives and in our desire to follow Jesus Christ.