Message of the pope to the 9th inter-Christian symposium at Assisi
On September 1, Benedict XVI addressed a letter to Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, on the occasion of the 9th “inter-Christian” symposium organized at Assisi from September 4 to 7, 2005.
This “inter-Christian” symposium was organized by the Franciscan Institute of Spirituality of the Antonianum University and the Theological Faculty of Aristotle University of Thessalonica on the theme “the Eucharist in the Eastern and Western traditions, with a particular reference to interreligious dialog”. An Orthodox delegation participated.
“To realize the full communion of Christians must be an objective for all who profess faith in the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church”, wrote Benedict XVI. “The search for full visible unity among all Christ’s disciples is seen as being particularly urgent to our times and people thus feel the need for a more profound spirituality and a greater reciprocal love”.
“The symposium of Assisi constitutes a happy occasion for a fraternal exchange as well as a reflection and deepening of understanding of the important themes of the common patrimony of the Faith, analyzing its implications for Christian life. It highlights the common engagement, search and study which attempt to clarify the differences and move beyond the failures of understanding”.
“The absence of full communion unfortunately prevents concelebration which, for all parties, is the sign of this full unity to which we have all been called. This absence is an appeal to intensify prayer, study and dialog, so as to resolve the divergences which still remain”. “The institutes of theological teaching are meant to have a fundamental role for the formations of the new generations and to present a Christian witness in today’s world”.
