Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - Pope Benedict XVI reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s firm commitment to reach unity among Christians when on June 16 he received in a private audience in the Vatican Reverend Samuel Kobia, secretary general of the World Council of Churches (WCC), accompanied by his wife and members of his delegation who this week have been on an official visit to Rome. After thanking them for representing the WCC at the funeral of the late Pope John Paul II and for the message on the occasion of the solemn inauguration of his ministry as the Bishop of Rome the Pope spoke briefly of the development of relations between the Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches, which led to the formation of a mixed working group. He recalled that to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this Group in November there will be an important consultation on its future: “My hope and prayer is that its purpose and working methodology will be further clarified for the sake of ever more effective ecumenical understanding, co-operation and progress” the Pope said
“In the very first days of my Pontificate - Pope Benedict said - I stated that my "primary task is the duty to work tirelessly to rebuild the full and visible unity of all Christ’s followers." This requires, in addition to good intentions, "concrete gestures which enter hearts and stir consciences… inspiring in everyone that inner conversion that is the prerequisite for all ecumenical progress”.
After underlining that Pope John Paul II often recalled that the heart of the search for Christian unity is "spiritual ecumenism”, Benedict XVI said once again: “The commitment of the Catholic Church to the search for Christian unity is irreversible. I therefore wish to assure you that she is eager to continue co-operation with the World Council of Churches.”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 17/6/2005, righe 22, parole 310)
