VATICAN - The Pope exchanges Christmas greetings with the Curia: “Let us be ever more aware that communion with God and unity among men, beginning with believers, is our priority commitment”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - “Thank you for your presence and for the affection with which you surround my person. As the years pass the need for the help of God and of others makes itself ever more keenly felt. Thank you for the constant "harmony" with which you operate with me at the service of the universal Church”. This was part of the speech which Pope John Paul II addressed to the Cardinals, the members of the Papal Household and the Curia received in audience for the traditional exchange of Christmas greetings this morning December 21.
“From the Son of God made man, Lumen gentium, the Church received the lofty mission to be ‘a sign and channel of intimate communion with God and with all humanity’” said the Holy Father and he encouraged those present : “Let us be ever more aware that communion with God and unity among men, beginning with believers, is our priority commitment.”
The Pope then underlined the need to “rebuild full communion among Christians”: “The celebration of the Year of the Eucharist aims, among other things, to increase this thirst for unity indicating the only and inexhaustible source: Christ himself. We must continue along the path of unity without hesitation”. Pope John Paul II mentioned progress made in the ecumenical journey at different levels and with many different initiatives, among which the visit by the Ecumenical Delegation of Finland and visits by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I stand out. “I sincerely hope that the return to Russia of the icon of the Mother of God of Kazan will help to accelerate the unity of all Christ’s disciples” he said.
John Paul II then recalled that believers have a great responsibility with regard to the new generations, “to whom the Christian heritage must be handed on unchanged”: “This is why on various occasions... I have not failed to encourage Europe’s Catholics to remain faithful to Christ. It is in fact in the heart that the Christian roots from which no small part of a future of justice and solidarity for the Continent and the whole world are nourished”.
Lastly, recalling the imminent Feast of Christmas the Pope said: “Our heart does not fear difficulties because it has confidence in You, Babe of Bethlehem who come amongst us our of love. May people everywhere recognise you and welcome you as the Redeemer of mankind and the Prince of peace!” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 21/12/2004; Righe 28; Parole 391)