Pope gives thanks for advances in Lutheran-Catholic relations
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has expressed his gratitude for the “many advances made
in relations between Lutherans and Catholics in these past decades, not only through
theological dialogue, but also through fraternal cooperation in a variety of pastoral
settings, and above all, in the commitment to progress in spiritual ecumenism.” Listen
to Tracey McClure's report:
The Pope made
the comment in an audience in the Vatican Monday with members of the Lutheran World
Federation and the representatives of the Lutheran-Catholic Commission on Unity.
And “spiritual ecumenism,” he remarked, “constitutes the soul of our journey towards
full communion.”
In noting the fifty year old theological dialogue between
Lutherans and Catholics and the forthcoming five hundredth anniversary of the Reformation
in 2017, Pope Francis said he believed it “is truly important for everyone to confront
in dialogue the historical reality of the Reformation, its consequences and the responses
it elicited.” Both sides, he said, “can ask forgiveness for the harm they have caused
one another.”
Despite “no lack of difficulties” in the dialogue, the Pope
expressed hope that the conversation would continue to address fundamental questions
and differences in “anthropology and ethics” and lead to “reconciliation and communion.” *********************************************************************************************************** Below
we publish the prepared text of the Pope's remarks:
Dear Lutheran brothers
and sisters,
I warmly welcome you, the members of the Lutheran World Federation
and the representatives of the Lutheran-Catholic Commission on Unity. This meeting
follows upon my very cordial and pleasant meeting with you, dear Bishop Younan, and
with the Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, the Reverend Junge, during the
inaugural celebration of my ministry as the Bishop of Rome.
It is with
a sense of profound gratitude to our Lord Jesus Christ that I think of the many advances
made in relations between Lutherans and Catholics in these past decades, not only
through theological dialogue, but also through fraternal cooperation in a variety
of pastoral settings, and above all, in the commitment to progress in spiritual ecumenism.
In a certain sense, this last area constitutes the soul of our journey towards full
communion, and permits us even now a foretaste of its results, however imperfect.
In the measure in which we draw closer to our Lord Jesus Christ in humility of spirit,
we are certain to draw closer to one another. And, in the measure in which we ask
the Lord for the gift of unity, we are sure that he will take us by the hand and be
our guide.
This year, as a result of a now fifty year old theological
dialogue and with a view to the commemoration of the five-hundredth anniversary of
the Reformation, the text of the Lutheran-Catholic Commission on Unity was published,
with the significant title: From Conflict to Communion. Lutheran-Catholic Common
Commemoration of the Reformation in 2017. I believe that it is truly important for
everyone to confront in dialogue the historical reality of the Reformation, its consequences
and the responses it elicited. Catholics and Lutherans can ask forgiveness for the
harm they have caused one another and for their offenses committed in the sight of
God. Together we can rejoice in the longing for unity which the Lord has awakened
in our hearts, and which makes us look with hope to the future.
In light
of this decades-long journey and of the many examples of fraternal communion between
Lutherans and Catholics which we have witnessed, and encouraged by faith in the grace
given to us in the Lord Jesus Christ, I am certain that we will continue our journey
of dialogue and of communion, addressing fundamental questions as well as differences
in the fields of anthropology and ethics. Certainly, there are no lack of difficulties,
and none will lack in the future. They will continue to require patience, dialogue
and mutual understanding. But we must not be afraid! We know well – as Benedict
XVI often reminded us – that unity is not primarily the fruit of our labours, but
the working of the Holy Spirit, to whom we must open our hearts in faith, so that
he will lead us along the paths of reconciliation and communion.
Blessed
John Paul II asked: “How can we proclaim the Gospel of reconciliation without at the
same time being committed to working for reconciliation between Christians?” (Ut Unum
Sint, 98). May the faithful and constant prayer of our communities sustain theological
dialogue, the renewal of life and the conversion of hearts, so that, with the Triune
God, we will be able to journey together toward the fulfilment of Jesus’ desire that
all may be one.