At blessing, pope gives upbeat assessment of ecumenical progress

Published: 2006-01-23

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI gave an upbeat assessment of ecumenical progress, saying perseverance and prayer would overcome current difficulties on the road to Christian unity. The pope made the remarks at a noon blessing Jan. 22, in the middle of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. "Prayer is the soul of the ecumenical movement which, thank God, is making progress throughout the world," the pope said, speaking to some 20,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square. "Certainly, there are problems and trials, but these also have a spiritual usefulness, because they impel us to exercise patience and perseverance and to grow in fraternal charity," he said. The pope cited the biblical text chosen for this year's ecumenical week, Christ's words in St. Matthew's Gospel that "if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father." These words inspire hope for all Christians who pray for eventual unity between their churches, the pope said.

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