Pope pleads for 'intense prayer' for latest ecumenical talks

September 22, 2010

Pope Benedict XVI called for renewed prayer for Christian unity as he concluded his public audience on Wednesday, September 22.

The Pope called attention to a new meeting of the joint Catholic-Orthodox theological commission, which is discussing the role of the Bishop of Rome in the universal Church: a topic that has been a major sticking point for Orthodox believers. The Holy Father reminded his audience that the ecumenical discussions are centering particularly on the role of the Pope during the first millennium of Christian history. Both Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul II have expressed a willingness to consider returning to the form of the papacy during that first millennium, if doing so would serve the cause of unity.

“Obedience to the will of the Lord Jesus, and consideration for the great challenges facing Christianity today, oblige us to commit ourselves seriously to the cause of re-establishing full communion among the churches,” the Pope told his Wednesday audience. He called for “intense prayer” for the success of the latest ecumenical talks.

 

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Further information:

• Pope Calls for Prayer for Catholic-Orthodox Unity (VIS)
• Pope calls for a serious commitment to ecumenism (Vatican Radio)