Pope concludes Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

January 26, 2015

Pope Francis concluded the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with the celebration of Vespers on January 25 at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and reflected on the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman (John 4).

Jesus’ conversation with a non-Jew “encourages us all to encounter, accept and listen to one another,” Pope Francis stated, according to a Vatican Radio summary of his remarks.

“The Pope said Jesus also speaks to the woman about true worship which breaks down walls of division,” the summary continued. “So many past controversies between Christians can be overcome, he said, when we put aside all polemical approaches and seek to grasp more fully the unity we already share.”

Just as all the Samaritan woman told others about Jesus after her encounter with Him, “all Christians today are called share the good news of the Gospel with the weary and thirsty men and women of today’s world.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Pope on Christian unity encounter, accept, listen (Vatican Radio)
• Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - 2015.01.25 (YouTube)