A milestone

We saw three quite distinct phases in this event which will remain as a milestone in the history of the dawn of the third millennium: from the tension and anxiety of the days preceding the visit due to the reactions that the Moslem world could create and that the mass media have exploited to the maximum, we passed to the phase of relaxation as soon as the Pope greeted the Turkish people and its political representatives. And then, by giving us a clear evangelical witness in his various gestures, speeches and greetings, he gave us the precious gift of the Good News that opens the door of hope to the Church who wishes to remain faithful to her Lord and Saviour and to continue the path she has taken ever since the early Christian communities that arose in this same land. Equally we can point to three fundamental dimensions that were emphasized in Benedict XVI’s various interventions: interfaith dialogue, in particular that with Islam to promote together with Christians a more human world that is able to live in peace; ecumenical dialogue, in particular with the Orthodox Church, to continue the ecumenical process towards the unity wished by Christ, Lord and Master; and the meeting with the brothers and sons of the Catholic Church, which in communion with her universal Pastor will continue to prepare the soil and cultivate the gift received in everyday life. Many inside and outside the Church wonder what will change in ecumenical dialogue, given that no great surprises are contained in the joint statement of Pope Benedict XVI and Patriarch Bartholomew I. Of course all of us would like to see immediate results, but we ought not to forget that ecumenism does not consist just of doctrinal statements or juridical accords. Ecumenism is first and foremost the opening of mind and spirit ready to gather the signs of the time in order to undertake new initiatives.I would like to point out some salient features that show us the way to continue our ecumenical commitment:Charity, above all. The meeting of our respective delegations, consolidated for several years in the feasts of our Patron Saints Peter and Paul in Rome and St. Andrew in Constantinople (Istanbul), has always taken place in the most cordial and loving mutual hospitality. “May this encounter strengthen our mutual affection and renew our common commitment to persevere in the itinerary that leads to the reconciliation and peace of our Churches”, concluded Benedict XVI in his address on the evening of his arrival in the basilica of St. George at the Fanar. This is the icon of charity we must now admire, deepen and turn into the substance of our daily life. The time has come for us to pass from mere cordiality and respect to the proposal to work together, workers of unity in fraternal trust and silent appreciation of our ecclesial realities. Our goal remains that of full communion. In the second part of their joint Statement, our Pastors, Benedict and Bartholomew, referring to the common history of the Church before the schism, then recalled and renewed the solemn declarations that have relegated the ancient excommunications to the dustbin of history. At the same time, they confirmed the determination to continue the theological dialogue in the mixed Commission, leaving to us the task of “playing an active part in this process, with prayer and with significant gestures”. If the themes of theological dialogue are those of “conciliarity and authority in the Church”, now we have the challenge of creating and developing attitudes consonant with this quest and with the new ecumenical ecclesiology, letting ourselves be guided by the Spirit that animates and nourishes the one and holy Church. In the meetings of religious leaders in this city, it is usual to see one sole representative of Islam (the Grand Mufti), one sole representative of Judaism (the Chief Rabbi), but many representatives and at times discordant voices between the representatives of the various Christian confessions. People say that Muslims are happy about this division among Christians, and think it would be worrying if Christians were to be united. Now, however, the perspective is different: Addressing us, the Church of Istanbul, the Pope said: “You well know that the Church does not want to impose anything on anyone, and that she asks simply to be able to live freely to reveal Him whom she cannot conceal, Christ Jesus who loved us to the end on the Cross and who gave us his Spirit, the living presence of God in our midst and in our most intimate being”.