Church unity requires conversion for all, Pope says
January 23, 2012
The quest for unity among all Christians "will be realistic if change first comes about within us," Pope Benedict XVI told a midday audience on Sunday, January 22.
Reminding his listeners that the Church is still observing the annual Week for Prayer for Christian Unity, the Pope went on to say that ecumenical work will bear fruit "if we let God act, if we allow ourselves to be transformed in the image of Christ, if we enter into new life in Christ Who is the true victory."
Pope Benedict encouraged all Catholics to continue their prayers for Christian unity through the week. He looked forward to an ecumenical service that will be held on January 25 at the Roman basilica of St. Paul-Outside-the-Walls as the formal closing of the annual observance.
As he closed his Sunday audience, the Pope sent his greetings to the Asian countries that will be celebrating the new lunar year. Offering them his wishes for a peaceful and successful year, he said: "My particular wish is that the young, with their enthusiasm and ideals, may offer a new hope to the world."
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