Cologne, Germany, Aug 18, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Pope Benedict XVI reaffirmed Friday his commitment to work toward Christian unity, saying that unity is God’s command and many Christians around the world expect churches to grow closer together.
During his four-day trip to Cologne, Germany, for World Youth Day, the Pope took the opportunity to meet with 27 representatives of different Christian churches, among them Lutheran, Greek Orthodox, Egyptian Coptic, Ethiopian Coptic and Romanian Orthodox.
“I am well aware that many Christians in this country, and not only in this country, expect further concrete steps to bring us closer together. I myself have the same expectation,” said the 78-year-old pontiff. “It is the Lord’s command, but also the imperative of the present hour, to carry on dialogue, with conviction, at all levels of the Church’s life.”
The themes of Christian unity and improved relations with Jews and Muslims have been ongoing in Pope Benedict’s speeches and meetings since his arrival here yesterday. He met with the Jewish community in the city’s oldest synagogue earlier Friday and was to meet with representatives of the Muslim community Saturday.