“I met him in my capacity as president of the WCRC. We have been having a Reformed-Catholic dialogue for several years,” he explained.
Pillay met Pope Francis in Vatican City in Rome in early June this year.
“It was not the first time I had met Pope Francis,” he added.
“I also attended his inauguration and had an audience with him then, as well.”
When he met the Pope in June it was to discuss ways in which they could express visible Christian unity as they address global issues related to poverty, religious violence, economic justice and environmental issues.
Pillay described meeting Pope Francis as an overwhelming and humbling experience.
“I am always intrigued by his humility, friendly, cordial and warm spirit.” he said.
Currently professor and head of the Department of Church History at the University of Pretoria, Pillay said it was exciting and inspirational to meet Pope Francis because he is committed to making a difference in the lives of all people and bringing a change to the world.
The WCRC consists of over 80 million Christians in 109 countries in the world.
With him on the visit with the Pope was the general secretary of the WCRC, the Rev Chris Ferguson, and four other staff members.
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