The Pope: Catholics and Orthodox Together to Reawaken the Christian Roots of Europe

This is the last Angelus from Rome before the summer break

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The dialogue with the Orthodox on "truth" and "charity" must continue despite "problems and misunderstandings" or "divisions and conflicts." Mindful of how hard the relationship with the Russian Orthodox Church is but also pleased with the signing of a common declaration with Patriarch Bartholomew I, Pope John Paul II reasserted in today's Angelus the need for a reawakened ecumenical commitment not only to the unity of the Church but also to the renewal of the work of evangelisation, especially in Europe. "Catholics and Orthodox," the Pope said, "are called upon to work together lest Europeans forget their Christian roots. Without them Europe cannot truly fulfill her role as a bridge between civilisations or as global herald for justice, solidarity and guarantor of creation."

 At the end of the Angelus, John Paul II told pilgrims that he was leaving the following day for a "brief holiday" in Italy's Valle d'Aosta region. The Pope wished "happy holidays" to all those families who have already left for their vacation destinations, but he also thought of all those "who cannot afford to go on holiday." "I hope," the Pope concluded, "that everyone can take advantage of the necessary break from work and that appropriate leisure activities enriched by true human relations are promoted to lessen the burden of those living alone or in difficulty."

 Here are the Pope's remarks in introducing the Marian prayer:

"I am truly grateful to God for the recent visit of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, His Holiness Bartholomew I, whom I had the joy of meeting in the last few days here in the Vatican along with his distinguished entourage. Together, we celebrated the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, thus commemorating the historic meeting 40 years ago, in Jerusalem, between our venerable predecessors Paul VI and Athenagoras I.

We also signed a common declaration that confirms and renews the commitment of both Catholics and Orthodox to the common cause which is the full communion of all Christians.

 Whilst recognising the positive steps made thus far and acknowledging the obstacles still on our path, we have reaffirmed our will to pursue, nay, intensify the ecumenical dialogue in terms of both fraternal ties ("dialogue on charity") and discussion of doctrine ("dialogue on truth").

In this spirit we have been able to deal with some recent problems and misunderstandings thus offering proof of how Christians can and must always collaborate in spite of divisions and conflicts. What more eloquent way to announce the Gospel of peace in a world sadly marred by instability and violence.

During the meeting we have come to realise that both Catholics and Orthodox are called upon to work together lest Europeans forget their Christian roots. Without them Europe cannot truly fulfill her role as a bridge between civilisations or as global herald for justice, solidarity and guarantor of creation.

 May God fulfill the goals we set out in this meeting! We entrust them to the maternal intercession of Holy Mary.

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