GREETINGS TO ECUMENICAL INSTITUTE OF BOSSEY

VATICAN CITY, NOV 16, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning, in what has become a traditional meeting, greeted a group from the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey. He expressed his thanks "to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity for organizing your program, intended to help you understand the Catholic faith more deeply."

The Switzerland-based institute was founded in 1946 as an integral part of the World Council of Churches. Its primary aims are to provide training for future ecumenical leaders, both clergy and lay, and to promote ecumenical theology.

Referring to their pilgrimage to Rome during the Jubilee Year, John Paul II said "you come then to a place revered not only for its history and art, but for the heritage of the blood of the martyrs which has proven so rich a seed of Christian life throughout the world."

He went on to say that "in recent months, the staff of the Institute has helped to prepare you who are students to be better equipped to serve the cause of Christian unity in your respective countries. In this great task you will find the Catholic Church a trustworthy partner. There can be no turning back from our shared commitment to work for the full, visible union of all the followers of Christ."

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