ecumenism" "
“His statue as a moral and religious leaders, not only for Catholics but for all men and women of good will, is rooted in a deep personal faith and in the conviction that this faith must be lived in such a way that others may see the truth, understand justice and find peace. Being such an example is truly an onerous mission”. These words were spoken by ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in the cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul on 17 June. The Patriarch was speaking in the course of the conference promoted by the Turkish Episcopal Conference and the Apostolic Nunciature in Turkey, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the pontificate of John Paul II. Addressing the theme: “John Paul II and the service to peace”, the patriarch recalled that “the Pope’s action is characterized by a passionate search for peace and this springs from his faith in the words of Jesus. And it is expressed with all the greater conviction now that the world is experiencing war and terrorism. His witness permits the world to believe that it is possible to achieve peace”. “The presence of Bartholomew I at the meeting – said the spokesman of the Turkish Episcopal Conference, Msgr. Georges Marovitch – was an important ecumenical gesture. It was in fact the first time ever that a patriarch had spoken in the cathedral in Istanbul”. Another ecumenical gesture will follow on 29 June, feast of Saints Peter and Paul, when a delegation of the ecumenical Patriarchate is expected in Rome for its traditional visit. The visit will be returned by the Holy See on 30 November, feast of St. Andrew.
