VATICAN - At the Angelus prayer the Pope tells people about the recent visit of Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I: “Christians can and should always collaborate even when there are divisions and conflict. This is an eloquent manner of announcing the Gospel of peace to a world marked sad to say by unbalance and violence.”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - On Sunday July 4, during his address before the Angelus prayer, once again Pope John Paul II reminisced about the recent visit he received by the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople His Holiness Bartholomew I, on the occasion of the Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul. To mark the occasion of the Visit the church leaders signed a joint declaration “confirming and re-launching the commitment of Catholics and Orthodox at the service of the great cause for full communion among Christians” the Pope said.
“Recognising the positive steps already made and not overlooking the obstacles which still exist, we re-affirmed our will to continue, indeed to intensify ecumenical dialogue” said Pope John Paul II, adding that this dialogue will continue at the level of fraternal relations and also doctrinal discussion. “In this spirit we dealt with certain problems and misunderstandings which had recently arisen, offering a concrete sign of how Christians can and should always collaborate even when there are divisions and conflicts. This is an eloquent manner of announcing the Gospel of peace to a world sadly marked by unbalance and violence.” Lastly the Pope stressed that Catholics and Orthodox would work together “to see that the Continent of Europe does not forget its Christian roots. Only this will enable Europe to fulfil its role in dialogue between civilisations and promoting world-wide justice, solidarity and protection of creation.”
After the Marian prayer, the Holy Father announced that he would leave the next day for a few days holiday in the mountain region of Italy Valle d’Aosta. He wished all those present happy vacation time. “At the same time I think of all who for various reasons are unable to have a proper holiday. I hope that each may enjoy a pause from work and that opportune initiatives of recreation enriched by genuine human relations, will be organised to bring relief to people who are alone or in difficulty.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 5/7/2004 - Righe 23; Parole 307)