"PROGRESS" BETWEEN CATHOLICS AND ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES

VATICAN CITY, JAN 28, 2003 (VIS) - Members of the Preparatory Committee charged with preparing the theological dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches were welcomed this morning in the Vatican by Pope John Paul.

The Pope extended greetings to the representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, and to "my venerable Brothers, the heads of the Churches which you represent," saying he "recalled with gratitude the various opportunities I have had to meet them." He welcomed the Catholic members of the committee, "representing various communities from both East and West."

"Substantial ecumenical progress has already been made between the Catholic Church and the different Oriental Churches," affirmed the Holy Father. "Essential clarifications have been made with regard to traditional controversies about Christology, and this has enabled us to profess together the faith we hold in common. ... May your efforts to establish a Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue prove a major step forward towards full communion in truth and charity."

"Many of you come from the Middle East and surrounding countries," noted John Paul II. "Let us pray together that this region will be preserved from the threat of war and further violence. May our ecumenical endeavors always be directed to the building up of a 'civilization of love', founded on justice, reconciliation and peace."

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