"We live at a time of great changes in virtually all areas of life: we must not be surprised therefore if this has an impact on the life of the Church and the relations among Christians as well". It was said this morning by Benedict XVI, as he received card. Walter Kasper and the participants in the Plenary assembly of the Papal Council for the Promotion of the Unity of Christians, which was focussed on "Ecumenism at a time of change". "Although the situations, sensitivities and problems are changing explained the Pope the goal of the ecumenical movements remains the same: the visible unity of the Church". As he recalled that one of the "main intentions" of the Second Vatican Council was "the reinstatement of full unity among all Christians", the Holy Father highlighted that this is also his "intention". According to the Pope, "since the Second Vatican Council, many steps have been made towards full communion": "Fraternity among all Christians has been rediscovered and reinstated as a condition for dialogue, cooperation, common prayer, solidarity". "My forthcoming visit to His Holiness Bartholomew I and to the Ecumenical Patriarchate he added will be one further sign of respect for the Orthodox Churches and will act as an incentive hopefully to speed up progress towards the reinstatement of full communion". (to be continued)
