Pope meets with Old Catholic leaders, suggests cooperation in 'confused' Europe

October 30, 2014

Pope Francis met on October 30 with representatives of the Old Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Union of Utrecht, a group that split from Rome in the late 19th century over the question of papal infallibility.

In his remarks to the group the Pope noted that ecumenical talks since Vatican II have helped to “build new bridges of a more profound mutual understanding and practical cooperation” between the Catholic Church and the Old Catholic communities. However he also observed with regret that “new disagreements between us have emerged.”

Some Old Catholic communities have allowed the ordination of women to the priesthood, and European groups affiliated with the Union of Utrecht now sanction same-sex unions. Pope Francis observed: “The theological and ecclesiological questions that arose during our separation are now more difficult to overcome due to the increasing distance between us on matters of ministry and ethical discernment.”

In spite of these disagreements, the Pope said that Roman Catholics and Old Catholics should cooperate to spread the Gospel—especially “in the heart of Europe, which is so confused about its own identity and vocation.”

The Old Catholic communities of the Union of Utrecht now claim about 65,000 members. The delegation that met with Pope Francis was led by Archbishop Joris Vercammen of Utrecht, the president of the International Old Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

 

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Further information:

• The Pope to the Old Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Union of Utrecht: build bridges of mutual understanding and practical cooperation (VIS)
• Pope meets with leaders of Old Catholic Bishops Conference (Vatican Radio)