"We must never get tired to pray for the unity of the Christians" because "the evangelizing mission of the Church depends on the ecumenical path", said the Pope, who dedicated yesterday’s Angelus to the Week of prayer for Christian unity (going on until January 25th). During it, Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans and Protestants, "who are aware that their divisions make up an obstacle to welcoming the Gospel, together implore God for the gift of full communion". "All of us have the duty to pray and to operate for overcoming all divisions among Christians”, said Benedict XVI, hoping the Disciples of Christ will soon reach "the common celebration of Eucharist, manifesting their full unity". Then, by mentioning the biblical subject of this year’s Week, “Pray continually” (1 Ts 5, 17), the Pope said "unceasing prayer" is the antidote for "contrasts and conflicts", because "the abilities to overcome any kind of selfishness; to live together in peace and brotherly union; and to willingly bear the burden and sufferings of others come from prayer". Therefore, the Pope invited everybody "to invoke God for the precious gift of reconciliation of all the baptised", so as "we may reach perfect unity together, thus manifesting our token of faith and life, urgently needed by the world".
