Dear Holy Father,

On behalf of the Czechoslovak Romani Union z.s., a non-profit organization defending the rights and dignity of the Romani community in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the European Union, we respectfully send you this request for an audience with Your Holiness.

Our organization has long sought to promote the social inclusion of Roma, to develop their education, self-esteem and to fulfill the principles of equality and mutual respect among all people regardless of origin or belief. We believe that the Catholic Church is an irreplaceable symbol of forgiveness, reconciliation and unity in European history.

Therefore, we appeal to you, Holy Father, for a meeting and, at the same time, for your kind consideration of our initiative concerning the historical injustice that has haunted the Roma for more than half a millennium. In 1492, our ancestors were excommunicated from the Catholic Church by the Archbishop of Paris on the grounds of so-called non-observance of Christian principles. This act had a dramatic impact on the position of the Roma in Europe, their perception in society and their ability to participate in the spiritual communion of the Church.

However, times have changed. Today, the Roma live as ordinary citizens, many of them profess the Christian faith and desire to be fully included in the Church community. We are convinced that a symbolic lifting of this excommunication would be an important step towards restoring trust, reconciliation and opening a new chapter in the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Roma people.

Therefore, Holy Father, we humbly ask you for the opportunity to meet you personally and to present this matter. We believe that a common dialogue can contribute not only to the rectification of old wrongs, but also to the deepening of mutual respect, understanding and love among all people.

With respect and blessings

Karel Karika
Chairman
Czechoslovak Romani Union z.s.
Velká Hradební 322/53
400 01 Ústí nad Labem
info@romskaunie.cz
‪+420 603 443 852