Pope sees St. Augustine as bridge between Eastern, Western churches

September 04, 2009

In a message to an ecumenical conference taking place in Rome this week, Pope Benedict XVI remarked that the study of St. Augustine's works could be an important route to reunion between Eastern and Western Christianity. The Pontiff noted that St. Augustine is one of the most important intellectual founders of the European Christian tradition, but "the reception of his ideas in Orthodox theology has proved to be somewhat problematic." If Eastern theologians come to a better understanding of St. Augustine's work, he said, the result could be the discovery of "common doctrinal and spiritual ground which may help to build the City of God."

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• St. Augustine in Eastern and Western tradition (VIS)