VATICAN - Angelus of Benedict XVI during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: “We know not how, or when, because it is not given to us to know, but we can be sure that one day we will be “one” as Jesus and the Father are united in the Holy Spirit”. Appeal for peace in Côte d'Ivoire.

Vatican City (Fides Service) - Half way through the annual "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ", 18 to 25 January, on Sunday 22 January Pope Benedict XVI devoted his midday Angelus reflection to the theme of ecumenism. The Week of Prayer for Christianity Unity started in the last century , “has known positive development becoming increasingly an ecumenical period of reference in which Christians of different confessions all over the world pray and reflect on the same Biblical passage” the Pope explained recalling this year’s theme chosen from the Gospel of St Matthew, where Jesus says: “Again, (amen,) I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Mt 18,19-20).
Pope Benedict XVI then emphasised the confidence and hope instilled by these words of the Lord: “We understand then how important it is for us as Christians to invoke the gift of unity with perseverance and constancy. If we do this with faith we can be certain that our request will be granted. We know not how, or when, because it is not given to us to know, but we can be sure that one day we will be “one” as Jesus and the Father are united in the Holy Spirit”… “God is love and only if we convert to Him and listen to his Word can we be united in the one Mystical Body of Christ” he said. The Holy Father recalled that the expression "God is love", in Latin "Deus caritas est", is also the title of his first encyclical which will be released on 25 January, the feast of the Conversion of St Paul. “I am happy that this will coincide with the last day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity- the Pope said - : on that day I will go to the Basilica of Saint Paul to preside Vespers at which representatives of other Churches and communions will take part. May Our Lady, Mother of the Church, intercede for us”.
After the Angelus, the Pope congratulated his own Corps of Swiss Guards who celebrate this year the 500th anniversary of their arrival in Rome to defend the Pope and the Apostolic Palace. A guard of honour was present to receive his blessing in St Peter’s Square as they did 500 years ago to receive the blessing of Pope Julius II : “Recalling that historical event I am happy to greet the members of this valiant corps upon whomI gladly impart a special Apostolic Blessing as a sign of appreciation and gratitude”. Lastly the Pope called for peace in Côte d'Ivoire saying: “Among much concern for the international situations, my thoughts return today to Africa and Côte d'Ivoire in particular, where there is persisting tension between the country’s different social and political components. I warmly invite all to continue constructive dialogue to promote reconciliation and peace. I entrust these intentions to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, so loved by the people of Côte d'Ivoire.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 23/1/2006 - righe 34, parole 506)