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Published by
Zenit.org,
July 4, 2004
Dialogue Can Overcome
Catholic-Orthodox Split, Says Pope
Assesses Visit of Ecumenical Patriarch
VATICAN CITY, JULY 4, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul
II insists that the force of "dialogue of truth"
and "of charity" can overcome the problems that
separate Catholics and Orthodox.
The Pope expressed that view today in the wake of
last week's visit to Rome by Ecumenical Patriarch
Bartholomew I of Constantinople, the "first among
equals" of the Orthodox Churches, on the occasion
of the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul and the
40th anniversary of the encounter between Pope
Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I.
"We were able to address some problems and
misunderstandings that arose recently, offering a
concrete sign of how Christians can and must
always collaborate, even when there are divisions
and conflicts," John Paul II said before praying
the midday Angelus.
"It is an eloquent way of proclaiming the Gospel
of peace in a world characterized unfortunately by
imbalances and violence," he said from the window
of his study, addressing thousands gathered below
in St. Peter's Square.
"Acknowledging the positive steps taken until now
and without forgetting the obstacles that still
exist, we reaffirmed the resolve to continue, more
than that, to intensify ecumenical dialogue,
whether on the level of fraternal relations
--dialogue of charity -- or on that of doctrinal
comparison -- dialogue of truth," the Holy Father
added.
At the end of the visit, John Paul II said that he
and Bartholomew I signed a joint declaration
"which confirms and relaunches the commitment of
Catholics and Orthodox in the service of the great
cause of full communion of Christians."
In particular, the Pontiff explained, the
patriarchal visit served to remind Catholics and
Orthodox that they "are called to work together so
that the European continent will not forget its
own Christian roots."
"Only in this way will Europe be able to play its
full role in the dialogue between civilizations
and in the global promotion of justice,
solidarity, and the safeguarding of creation," he
said.
Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity,
said "it was the most friendly visit" of the three
that Bartholomew I has made to Rome, something the
patriarch himself confirmed before bidding
farewell to the Eternal City.
The cardinal told Vatican Radio that the past
week's meetings have "facilitated" the future of
ecumenism, particularly the papal homily of the
Mass of Sts. Peter and Paul, which presented the
ecumenical journey as "irreversible" and as a
"commitment" for anyone who believes in Jesus
Christ.
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