| Vatican City (Fides Service) - “At the beginning of my pontificate I encourage you and all the believers of the religious traditions which you represent and also all who seek the truth with a sincere heart to become together builders of peace in reciprocal commitment of understanding, respect and love”, Pope Benedict XVI said when he addressed representatives of Christian Churches and Communities and non Christian religions who had come to Rome for the Mass to inaugurate his Pontificate whom he received in audience on Monday 25 April.
In his address the Pope recalled the progress towards unity made during the pontificate of John Paul II and “how true and great is our shared passion for unity”, and he exclaimed: “Duc in altum! Let us go ahead in hope. Following my Predecessors in particular Paul VI and John Paul II, I feel the need to confirm the irreversible commitment taken by the Second Vatican Council and pursued in recent years by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Unity of Christians. The journey towards full communion desired by Jesus for his disciples calls for concrete docility to what the Spirit is saying to the Churches, courage, gentleness and hope to reach the goal.” The Pope stressed the need “to pray always and pray from the heart” for the gift of unity and he encouraged all present to be examples of “that spiritual ecumenism, which in prayer achieves our communion without obstacles”.
To “you dear friends of other religious traditions”, Pope Benedict said “I assure you that the Church desires to continue building bridges of friendship with the followers of all religions in order to seek the true good of every person and of society as a whole.” In the world of today marked by war and violence peace is a gift of God for which it is necessary to pray without ceasing, “yet peace is also a duty to which all peoples must be committed, especially those who profess to belong to religious traditions. Our efforts to come together and foster dialogue are a valuable contribution to building peace on solid foundations”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 26/4/2005; righe 25, parole 369)
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