Eastern Catholic Patriarchs Meet Pope

(September 19, 2009) Pope Benedict XVI said that he takes this opportunity to make the announcement of the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East, convened by him, to be held 10 to 24 October 2010, on "The Catholic Church in the Middle East: communion and witness: "The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul." He said this during his meeting with the Seven Eastern Catholic patriarchs on Saturday, 19^th of September, to speak about relations with Islam and other issues affecting their Churches. The meeting took place at Pope’s summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. The other topics of discussion included the increase of fundamentalism in the Middle East and the situation of Christians there, the importance of dialogue with Muslims, the legislation for Eastern Catholic patriarchs in the universal Church, and the ecclesiastic jurisdiction in Kuwait and the nations of the Persian Gulf region. Pope Benedict said that he appreciated to their strengthening the bonds of communion, linking them to the Apostolic See and their constant meeting with the Pope. The Pontiff felt that it was his primary duty is to promote collegiality that is so dear to the church in the East. He added that his predecessor Pope John Paul II has particularly emphasized in the Apostolic Letter Orientale Lumen which is fully supported by himself, with the hope that the Eastern Churches and Catholic church come together to meet with renewed vigour to promote the unity of all Christians. Regarding the issue of the Persian Gulf nations, the patriarchs discussed with the Holy Father the changing dynamic of the Churches in those nations due to the arrival of thousands of emigrating Christians. During their time in Rome, the patriarchs have scheduled a preparatory meeting for the synod of bishops special assembly for the Middle East, next year.