Paul KeenanLeaders speak of improved relations
Pope Francis has welcomed the leader of the Church of England to the Vatican.
On June 16, on the second day of an official visit to Rome, Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury joined with the Pontiff towards building relationships between their respective traditions. On this, Pope Francis expressed his hope that the symbolic meeting would “strengthen further our bonds of friendship and our commitment to the great cause of reconciliation and communion between Christian believers”.
He continued: “The goal of full unity may seem distant indeed, yet it remains the aim which should direct our every step along the way. I find a source of encouragement in the plea of the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism that we should advance in our relationship and cooperation by placing no obstacle to the ways of divine providence and by not prejudicing future promptings of the Holy Spirit. Our progress towards full communion will not be the fruit of human actions alone, but a free gift of God.”
For his part, Archbishop Welby praised the Pope’s true Christian witness and passion for reconciliation.
“With so many around the world I am profoundly grateful for your remarkable witness of care for the poor and suffering of the world, for your passion for reconciliation, as witnessed so recently in your visit to the Holy Land. Calling the faithful to pray for peace and reconciliation and doing that publicly is a witness to the power of prayer, one that I have sought to imitate – Your apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium was inspirational for all Christians. The task of making disciples is of compelling urgency so that the light of Christ may shine into every corner of the world.”
The meeting was the second time the leaders have met since the election of Pope Francis.