Pope says ecumenism should find increasing expression at parish level

Published: 2007-01-22

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI said ecumenism should find increasing expression at the parish level through prayer and works of charity. The pope made the remarks at his Sunday blessing Jan. 21 during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. On Jan. 25 he was scheduled to join other Christian leaders to close out the week with a prayer service in Rome. Addressing pilgrims from his apartment window, the pope said ecumenism must be understood as a "profound dialogue, listening to each other and speaking with each other, getting to know one another better." He said, "This is a task everyone can carry out, especially when it comes to 'spiritual ecumenism.'" He said, "I hope the yearning for unity, translated into prayer and fraternal cooperation to alleviate human suffering, can spread even more at the level of parishes, church movements and religious institutes." The pope expressed his gratitude for all those around the world who are praying and working for Christian unity.

Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .