“This Basilica, which has witnessed events of a deep ecumenical meaning, reminds us of how important it is to pray together to beg for the gift of unity, that unity for which Saint Peter and Saint Paul gave their lives, through to the supreme sacrifice of the blood": this was said this afternoon by Benedict XVI, in the homily for the celebration of the First Vespers on the Feast of Saint Peter and Paul in the Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura, in Rome. First the Pope greeted the delegation of the ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople the Metropolitan bishops Emmanuel and Gennadios, sent by Bartholomew I , who thus reciprocated the presence of the Delegation of the Holy See in Istanbul for the Feast of Saint Andrew. "These meetings and initiatives said Benedict XVI are not simply an exchange of pleasantries between two Churches, but aim at expressing the shared commitment to do all we can to speed up the full communion between the Christian East and West". The Pope mentioned the bond that Peter and Paul shared in their mission: "Like the legendary pair of siblings Romulus and Remus, who are credited for having founded Rome, likewise Peter and Paul were considered the founders of the Church of Rome". (continued)
