"The relation between the bishop and his city was not limited to the Christian population, but was also extended to those who outside the Church somehow recognised his spiritual authority". With these words, the Pope, during today’s catechesis, recalled the figure of Saint Eusebius, "the first bishop of Northern Italy of whom we have certain news". In a "divided" and "pastor-less" Church, which "was going through a difficult time", Eusebius "ran his diocese with the testimony of his life", said Benedict XVI, quoting the "testimony of the peculiar relation between the bishop and his city", which comes from the letter written by Saint Ambrose of Milan to the people of Vercelli around 394, over twenty years after Eusebius’ death. "The bishop and his clergy had to share the problems of their fellow citizens, but while also cultivating in their hearts a different citizenship, that of Heaven", recalled the Pope: "and so he added, off the cuff Eusebius really built a true citizenship, a true common solidarity between the citizens of Vercelli". This "monastic trait" was exactly, according to the Pope, what "gave a special dimension to the relation between the bishop and his city". (continued)
