"Christian unity is a gift from above, stemming from and growing towards loving communion with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit". It has been said by Benedict XVI who received, today, the ecumenical delegation from Finland on the occasion of the feast of Saint Henrik, Patron of the country. Reminding the joint prayer of Lutherans and Catholics from Finland, Pope declared that it is "the royal door of ecumenism: such prayer leads us to look at the Kingdom of God and the unity of the Church in a fresh way; it reinforces our bonds of communion; and it enables us to face courageously the painful memories, social burdens and human weaknesses that are so much a part of our divisions". "An authentic life in communion is possible only when doctrinal agreements and formal statements are constantly guided by the light of the Holy Spirit". Benedict XVI expressed appreciation for "the fruits of the Nordic Lutheran-Catholic theological dialogue in Finland and Sweden concerning central matters of the Christian faith, including the question of justification in the life of the Church". "In the new and challenging circumstances of Europe today, and within your own country it was the conclusion – there is much that Lutherans and Catholics can do together in the service of the Gospel and the advancement of the Kingdom of God".
