Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - On Thursday 1 February in the Vatican, the Pope received members of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between Catholics and Orthodox, which is currently holding its fourth plenary meeting. We have been entrusted by the Lord Jesus with the mandate "Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation" (Mk 16:15). Many people today are still waiting for the truth of the Gospel to be brought to them. May their thirst for the Good News strengthen our resolve to work and pray diligently for that unity required for the Church to exercise her mission in the world, according to the prayer of Jesus "that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" (Jn 17:23).
The Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches share an ecclesial patrimony stemming from apostolic times and the first centuries of Christianity - the Pope recalled in his address - This 'heritage of experience' should shape our future 'guiding our common path towards the re-establishment of full communion'."
"Many of you come from countries of the Middle East," the Holy Father observed, and he recalled how Christian minorities may face difficulties in surviving "in the midst of such a volatile geopolitical panorama" and how they "are often tempted to emigrate. In these circumstances, Christians of all traditions and communities in the Middle East are called to be courageous and steadfast in the power of the Spirit of Christ” the Pope said and concluded. "May the intercession and example of the many martyrs and saints, who have given courageous witness to Christ in these lands, sustain and strengthen the Christian communities in their faith!" (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 2/2/2007 - righe 21, parole 304)
