Let's Build on Ecumenical Achievements, Says Pope

(February 11, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI Wednesday invited a Lutheran delegation from the United States to treasure the accomplishments of ecumenism and work so that full unity can one day be realized. The Pope made this invitation while greeting Lutheran Bishop Mark Hanson and the delegation accompanying him at the general audience in Paul VI Hall. "Since the beginning of my pontificate, I have been encouraged that relations between Catholics and Lutherans have continued to grow, especially at the level of practical collaboration in the service of the Gospel," the Holy Father said. He expressed hopes that "continuing Lutheran-Catholic dialogue both in the United States of America and at the international level will help to build upon the agreements reached so far.” The Pontiff noted dialogue between Catholics and Lutherans "so promisingly started after the Second Vatican Council," and he said an "important remaining task will be to harvest the results. To build on what has been achieved together since that time," Pope Benedict XVI proposed "a spiritual ecumenism should be grounded in ardent prayer and in conversion to Christ, the source of grace and truth. May the Lord help us to treasure what has been accomplished so far, to guard it with care, and to foster its development." The Pope concluded citing words from Pope John Paul II, "During whose pontificate so much was accomplished on the road to full visible unity among Christians." He said: “Let us resolve to be open to the Lord so that he can use this meeting for his purposes, to bring about the unity that he desires.”