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 Homepage | The person | The family | The friends | Sitemap | Search | Contact  News  Year 2006 Français | English | Español |  Print«May they all be one!» « May they all be one »: It was under this heading in Italian that L’Osservatore Romano of 28th November published as its leading item, this reflection of the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I. Another leading item - the feelings of « esteem and sincere friendship » expressed by Benedict XVI at the Sunday angelus, adressed to the Turkish people and their leaders.  « It is with great joy », writes the patriarch, « that we welcome the visit of our well-beloved brother in Christ, His Holiness, the pope Benedict XVI to our country and to the ecumenical patriarchal see ».For the patriarch, it represents « a historical moment » as were the visits of his predecessors, Paul VI and John-Paul II. He adds « It is a joy and a blessing that the two guides of the Church are meeting together as Christian brothers and as Servants of Our Lord »… « We appreciate this visit of His Holiness Benedict XVI to our Church » emphasises the patriarch, as an « expression of the good relations existing between our two ancient Churches ». He also underlines this sign of « the willingness to intensify our theological dialogue of love, truth and mutual respect ». The challenges raised by the ecumenical patriarchy in our time, emphasises Bartholomew I, are not only those of poverty, danger and injustice, but also the struggle against all « forms of violence », for the « peaceful co-existence of all the religious communities » of Turkey. He also promotes « dialogue between peoples » and « peace, harmony and reconciliation », whatever the culture, race or religion may be. The patriarch ends by hoping that « the visit of His Holiness will be beautiful and pleasing » and in welcoming the pope, praying « with fervour, so that the One and Triune God will continue to guide Christians in everything, so that the commandment « May they all be one »(John 17, 21) should be fulfilled. Zenit Agency  Common declaration by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and Patriarch Bartholomew I (30 November 2006) |
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