POPE TELLS PRESBYTERIANS THEIR VISIT IS "A CAUSE FOR JOY"

VATICAN CITY, MAR 22, 2001 (VIS) - A delegation from the Presbyterian Church in the United States was welcomed this morning by the Holy Father, who told them that their visit "is indeed a cause for joy."

He noted that their visit "takes place following the year-long celebration of the Great Jubilee of the Incarnation and at the dawn of the Third Christian Millennium. The participation of so many Churches and Ecclesial Communities in a number of the Jubilee events testifies to our common thanksgiving for the great outpouring of grace which accompanied the Lord's first coming. It confirms our commitment to work for full Christian unity as we await His return in glory."

"Despite the significant steps taken in recent decades towards the goal of visible unity, we must acknowledge that ... 'there is still a long way to go'," Pope John Paul added, quoting "Novo Millennio Ineunte." He wished the members of the delegation a fruitful visit, saying "may your stay, and your conversations with the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, bear abundant fruit for the ecumenical tasks ahead."

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