Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, visited Wichita over the weekend and presided at the 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Nov. 16 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. During his homily, Cardinal Pierre addressed the challenging themes in the day’s readings from Malachi and Luke, which spoke of judgment and tribulation.

He clarified that scriptural fear is not about anxiety or dread. “None of this is what the scriptures mean,” he said. He explained that holy fear involves trusting that “the world is in God’s hands,” freeing people from judgment and social pressures. He added, “May the Holy Spirit open our hearts to the only fear that sets us free – the fear of the Lord, which gives our souls the courage, steadies us, compels us, and leads us to joy.”

Before Mass, Bishop Carl A. Kemme led Cardinal Pierre on a tour of Wichita’s mother church, including a visit to Venerable Emil Kapaun’s tomb. Afterward, both leaders met with parishioners and diocesan seminarians.

Cardinal Pierre’s visit was centered around speaking at a Fiat Ministries event aimed at helping young women discern their vocations. He praised Fiat Ministries for its role in spiritual renewal: “It has been a very short two days, but I felt very good impressions,” he said. “I came for the encounter with Fiat and can tell you that I am quite impressed.” He also commended Emily Savage, president of Fiat Ministries: “I see that as a source of renewal for the whole church.”

The Apostolic Nuncio acts as both an ambassador for Pope Francis and as a liaison between Rome and local Catholic communities in each country where they serve.