” ” Such task, went on Benedict XVI, "concerns not only the cultures that are marginally affected by the message of the Gospel, but also the European cultures that have been deeply rooted in the Christian tradition since time immemorial". The process of laicisation "has weakened the staying power of that tradition; actually it is questioned and even rejected"; so, "before such a reality, we are called, along with all the other Christian communities, to reawaken Europe’s awareness of its own Christian roots, traditions and values, giving them a new lease of life". According to the Pope, "our efforts to build closer ties between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches are part of this missionary task", while "the divisions that exist among Christians are a scandal for the world and an obstacle for the proclamation of the Gospel". "Only through a fraternal communion among Christians and through mutual love will the message of God’s love for every man and woman he explained – become believable. Whoever casts a realistic glance on the Christian world today will discover the urgency of such testimony". (to be continued)” “
