For pope, dialogue does not mean toning down doctrinal teachings

Published: 2005-05-11

ROME (CNS) -- Soon after his election in April, Pope Benedict XVI said promoting unity in the church and dialogue with the world were high priorities of his papal ministry. In early May, the pope made it clear that those goals do not mean toning down the church's doctrinal teachings. The occasion was the new pope's installation as the bishop of Rome May 7 at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. The Mass was packed with Romans who turned out to welcome the German-born pontiff as one of their own. Pope Benedict decided to speak at length about the meaning of the "cathedra" or chair that he now occupies as bishop of Rome, the symbol of his episcopal power and responsibility. In a special way, he said, it is a symbol of "the authority to teach" that has been handed down by Christ to St. Peter and his other disciples.

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