The Pope: May Mary bring about the union of Catholics and Orthodox
The "International Day Against Torture" and the fate of young Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy Land remembered.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) The visit of the Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I, which is expected to take place on June 29, Feast Day of St Peter and St Paul is central to the Pope's meditation ahead of today's Angelus before a crowd of thousands of pilgrims in St Peter's square. John Paul II remembers the "the historic meeting" between Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Atenagora I that occurred in Jerusalem in 1964. The Pope emphasised that in 40 years "ecumenism has made great strides despite persisting difficulties."
Here are the Pope's remarks:
"The day after tomorrow, on June 29, we shall celebrate the feast Day of St Peter and St Paul, and in that happy occasion I shall have the joy of welcoming to the Vatican once again His All Holiness Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. We intend to commemorate together the historic meeting of our venerable predecessors, Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Atenagora I who, 40 years ago in Jerusalem, exchanged the embrace of brotherhood and peace. This happened during the pilgrimage God's servant Paul VI made in January 1964 when the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council was in full swing. Precisely in November of that same year the Council Fathers approved the Decree Unitatis redintegratio. In it promoting the unity of all Christians was solemnly declared to be one of the Council's main objectives. All institutions and communities within the Church were called upon to work in that same direction. (See Nº 1 and Nº. 18).
In spite of persisting difficulties, ecumenism has made strides today and God's People has become more sensitive to it. The Week of Prayers for the Unity of Christians has become a normal part of the liturgical-pastoral guidelines in our dioceses and parishes. Many are the Church associations and communities that play close attention to the mutual knowledge and friendship among Christians of different denominations. Hence, many are those who find themselves more united in acts of solidarity, justice, and peace.
As we prepare to welcome the Ecumenical Patriarch I invite all to pray for the complete unity of Christians. May the Virgin Mary intercede to this effect, and may the Holy Mother of God, to whom the Eastern Christians are so devoted, make the memory of the embrace between Paul VI and Atenagora I encourage a renewed commitment to communion of Catholics and Orthodox."
After the Angelus, Pope John Paul II reminded those present that the day before was the International Day Against Torture. "May the shared commitment of both authorities and citizens," the Pope said, "lead to the total ban of this intolerable violation of human rights, so radically contrary to the dignity of humanity."
The Pope later greeted some young Israelis and Palestinians present at the ceremony. "I greet these young Israelis and young Palestinians who, along with their families, are staying as guests in Naples," he said. "Together, they wish to tell the world that they want peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land. They speak so forcefully because in their families, Palestinian and Israeli alike, members have been victimised by the ongoing conflict. It is everyone's duty not to let these young people down; it is everyone's duty to see their faith in God and in others swell."
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