Patriarch Bartholomew speaks of meeting with the Pope in Jerusalem Francisco
In 1964 began a path "which now can no longer stop": not yet reached "the goal of Christian unity", but from that moment, "we learn to forgive each other for mistakes and misgivings of the past, and we took important steps towards rapprochement and reconciliation. "Now" the time has come to move on - says Bartholomew, Patriarch of Constantinople - and the Pope will do precisely Francisco a good step forward "- a conviction that the patriarch has nurtured since he found the bishop of Rome, on the occasion of the celebrations of the start of the papal ministry, when approaching the fiftieth anniversary of the "historic embrace of Jerusalem." Of the fruit he hoped this meeting Bartholomew spoke a few days ago in an interview with "Osservatore Romana" who transcribed here in full:
Pope Francisco in the footsteps of Pope Paul VI, 50 years later. During that time, we started the "dialogue of love" to the "dialogue of truth." And now, as you continue the journey in view of the ultimate goal?
There is no doubt that the historic meeting between our venerable predecessors, Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI marked a new beginning in relations between Catholicism and Orthodoxy. It is important to remember that this meeting was followed by a whole millennium of mutual distrust and theological distance between our two great traditions. Despite our common story of Scripture and Tradition, our two Churches, risked therefore be damaged by the isolation and self-sufficiency, having followed different paths from the eleventh century. The meeting in Jerusalem on January 5, 1964, was a remarkable point of departure for the long road of reconciliation and dialogue, which later generations were calls to continue. Looking back over the last fifty years, we can be thankful to God for what has been achieved in both the "dialogue of love" as in "dialogue of truth." The spirit of fraternal love and mutual respect took the place of the old controversies and suspicions.
And the theological level?
The Commission for m ista International Theological Dialogue the two Churches produced several important joint papers. We are No. However, aware that there is much to do between our two Churches, as well as within them. Undoubtedly, the path is long and difficult. Yet as disciples of our Lord, who prayed to Father and urged their disciples to be "A" - ut unum sint, we read in Gospel of John (17.21) - we have no other alternative but pursue this way of reconciliation and unity. Any other way would be a betrayal shameful the will the Lord and a return unacceptable to our past separately.
Recently said he hopes to soon convene the Great Council of the Orthodox Church to symbolize the unity of his Church. May also be an opportunity to rediscover the value of unity of all Christians?
During the last meeting, the synaxis heads of autocephalous Orthodox Churches of the world, held in Istanbul 6-9 of last March, the Primates of the Orthodox Churches spoke of the question of the Holy and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church and decided unanimously that accelerating the process of preparation, will be convened in Constantinople in 2016. Synod This, as noted, is a vital sign of unity between the Orthodox Churches, at a time when the world demands a unified response to its fundamental challenges. During this meeting, we informed the Primates brothers about our next meeting with the Pope in Jerusalem Francisco. They just expressed their support to the event and reiterated their commitment in favor of theological dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church. This is important, since the meeting in Jerusalem will be much more of a symbolic confirmation of our availability to continue on the path of love started 50 years ago by our predecessors in a spirit of fidelity to the truth of the Gospel. Also be an important occasion for the world to see a united approach - beyond denominational identities and differences - to the suffering of Christians in many places, especially in regions where Christianity was born and developed. Moreover, it will also be an opportunity to speak of the injustices that the most vulnerable members of contemporary societies are forced to endure, as well as the worrying consequences of the ecological crisis.
There are a lot of expectations for this meeting. And many concrete nourish hopes of a decisive step forward it takes to overcome the obstacles that still hinder the unity among Christians. What are your expectations and hopes?
Today, more than fifty years ago, there is an urgent need for reconciliation, and this makes our next meeting with the Pope in Jerusalem Francisco is an event of great significance. It comes naturally - how we understand and humbly admit - only a first step to go out into the world, as an affirmation of our desire to increase their efforts in favor of Christian reconciliation and peaceful. This also demonstrate our readiness and joint responsibility for progress on the path prepared by our predecessors. Therefore, as clergy and spiritual leaders will meet to appeal and an invitation to all people regardless of their faith and virtues, by a dialogue that, at bottom, to gain knowledge of the truth of Christ and enjoy the immense joy that accompanies an encounter with Him Yet, ultimately, this is only possible by eliminating the inner separation between one another and through the unity of all people in Christ, who is the true fullness of love and joy.
But this was also the aim of the meeting of 1964.
It is clear that 1964 until today has not reached the full communion, which must always be the ultimate aim faithful disciples of Christ. However, to hold the forgive one another for errors and distrust the past, and we have taken steps important towards the area proximação and reconciliation. Athenagoras and Paul VI had certainly m large precursors unit. However, other important step towards reconciliation and unity will be held with the grace of God, on 25 May 2014 through meeting with our brother Pope Francisco. Which is all according to the will of God.
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