” “The Pope and the Patriarch recalled the meetings of their predecessors (Paul VI and Atenagoras, John Paul II and Dimitrios I), the establishment of the mixed Commission and the solemn ecclesial deed “which confined to oblivion the ancient excommunications, which over the centuries have impaired the relations between Catholics and Orthodox”. From this deed, they commented, "we have not yet derived all the positive consequences that may come of it, for our journey towards full unity”. Therefore, they exhort "Catholics and Orthodox to proactively take part in this process through prayer and significant gestures”. Benedict XVI and Bartholomew I highlight the need for a new evangelisation "even in traditionally-Christian countries", which are now going through "laicisation, relativism and even nihilism”, and aim at "strengthening cooperation and our common testimony in front of all nations". (to be continued)” “
