"A sincere spirit of friendliness between Catholics and Orthodox has been growing in the last few years, and this is really consoling – added the Pope later on, – and this spirit has also characterized many contacts taking place between the People in charge of the Roman Curia, the Bishops of the Catholic Church and the People in charge of several Orthodox Churches, as well as the visits to Rome or particular Catholic Churches by high Orthodox exponents". However, he underlined, "in many regions, the ecumenical situation has changed today, and it is further changing; this implies making efforts with a view to frank debate. New communities and groups are being founded, and unusual trends are being noticed. Sometimes, there are even tensions between Christian communities; therefore, theological dialogue is important, for it concerns the concrete aspects of the lives of many Churches and Ecclesial Communities". "Ecumenism he concluded – encourages us to pursue a brotherly and generous exchange of gifts: we are well aware that full communion in faith, within the sacraments, and in the ministry, remains the goal and the destination of the whole ecumenical movement. Spiritual ecumenism is the beating heart of such huge mission, as clearly stated by the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council". ” “
