Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - On Sunday 20 January the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI dedicated his midday Angelus reflection to the issue of ecumenism, this being the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and to his planned and then cancelled visit to La Sapienza University in Rome. From his study window the Pope was able to see St Peter's Square overflowing with tens of thousands of people who had come in answer to the call by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope's Vicar for Rome diocese, to show "affection and serenity" to Benedict XVI.
Before the Angelus prayer the Pope recalled “providential initiative” of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, celebrated every year 18 - 25 January, started a hundred years ago. “We all have a duty to pray and work to heal divisions among Christians in response to Christ's wish "Ut unum sint" - said Benedict XVI -. Prayer, conversion of heart, strengthening bonds of communion are the essence of this spiritual movement, which we hope will soon lead the disciples of Christ to be able to share the celebration of the Eucharist, and this show their full unity”. Citing this years theme: "Pray without ceasing " (1 Ts 5,17), the Holy Father explained that with these words St Paul “wishes to make it clear that new life in Christ and the Holy Spirit enables (Christians) to overcome selfishness and to live in peace and fraternal communion, and to willingly bear each other's burdens and sufferings”. He urged those present never to tire of praying for unity among Christians and he stressed: “The Church's evangelisation mission is part of her ecumenical path, the path of unity of faith, witness to the Gospel and genuine brotherhood”. The Holy Father then asked Romans and visitors to join him and representatives of other Christian Churches and Ecclesial communities on Friday 25 January for a solemn Ecumenical Celebration of Vespers at the Basilica of St Paul's outside the Walls, to conclude the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, “to ask God for the precious gift of reconciliation among all the baptised ”.
After the Angelus the Holy Father said: “I wish to greet the many university students and teachers and all of you present, who have come so numerous to participate in the recitation of the Angelus prayer and to express to me your solidarity; in thought I also greet those spiritually present. Thank you dear friends; I thank the Cardinal Vicar for promoting this moment of encounter. As you know, I gladly accepted the kind invitation to intervene last Thursday at the inauguration of the new academic year at the La Sapienza University in Rome. I am familiar with the college which has my esteem, and I am very attached to the students there: every year on various occasions many of them come with students from other universities to meet me in the Vatican. Unfortunately, as you know, an atmosphere was created which rendered inopportune my presence at the ceremony. I had despite myself to postpone the visit, however I did send the text I had prepared for the occasion. For many years the university world was my world and I am bound to it by a love for the quest for the truth, for discussion, frank dialogue respectful of different positions. All this is part of the mission of the Church, committed to faithfully following Jesus, Teacher of life, truth and love. As, so to say a former who has met numerous students during his life, I encourage you all to always respect the opinions of others and to seek, with a free and responsible spirit, truth and goodness. To each and all I express my gratitude, and I assure my affection and prayers.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 21/1/2008; righe 44, parole 641).
