For Benedict XVI, Christian unity is a moral imperative. He says in
order to obtain it, we must overcome any pessimism or resignation about
the process. This came during the closing ceremony of the Week of Prayer
for Christian Unity at Rome's Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
The Pope emphasized his closeness to the Christian communities of Jerusalem and used them as an example of unity.
Benedict XVI“The Christians of the Holy City invite us to renew and strengthen our commitment to rebuild full unity by meditating on the model of life followed by the first disciples of Christ gathered in Jerusalem.”Benedict XVI said that to achieve Christian unity it's necessary to continue talking about the common heritage that all Christians share.
Benedict XVI“We must passionately continue the journey towards this goal, through serious and rigorous dialogue to develop our shared theological, liturgical and spiritual heritage; through reciprocal knowledge; through the ecumenical formation of new generations and, above all, through conversion of heart and prayer.”The celebration was held at the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The Pope asked the Apostle for his help to achieve Christian unity.
Benedict XVI“In this journey for the search of full visible unity among all Christians, St. Paul is with us and sustains us, which is why we celebrate the solemn feast of his conversion.”The celebration was attended by leaders of other Christian denominations as well as representatives of the International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Churches, who gathered in the Vatican to promote ecumenism.
BR/AE
CTV
-JM
-WP
