Janary 27, 2012. (Romereports.com) Benedict XVI greeted some of his former aides,  who now make up the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. 


Benedict XVI
“It's always a joy to meet you in the plenary session and express my appreciation for the service you offer the Church and especially to the Successor of Peter, in his ministry of confirming our brothers in the faith.”

The Pope said he's concerned about the decline in  people's faith. He added that its renewal must be a priority for the Church, which is specifically the reason why he called for “The Year of Faith.”

Benedict XVI
“I hope the Year of Faith contributes, with the cordial collaboration of all components of the People of God, to make God present again in the world.”

The Pope also said that ecumenical dialogue is a “task that's closely related to the work of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith.”

Benedict XVI
"The momentum of ecumenical work should start from 'spiritual ecumenism' which is 'the soul of the ecumenical movement'. It's found in  the spirit of prayer, so that we may 'all be one.'”

Indifference and relativism also pose a danger, said the Pope. Especially when working toward the unity of all Christians. He said true ecumenism  is “faith that man will find truth.” “Without faith,” said the pope, the entire ecumenical movement is reduced to a form of social contract.”

While working toward Christian unity, it's indispensable to have union on issues like human life, bioethics, the family, sexuality, freedom, justice and peace.

Benedict XVI was the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for 24 years. In 2005, when he was elected Pope, Cardinal William Joseph Levada took over that post.


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