POPE WELCOMES ECUMENICAL DELEGATION FROM UNITED STATES

VATICAN CITY, APR 7, 2003 (VIS) - Pope John Paul today welcomed an ecumenical delegation of Catholics, Greek Orthodox and Anglicans from the San Francisco area, who were accompanied by Archbishop William Levada of San Francisco.

The Pope noted that their pilgrimage, which coincides with the 150th anniversary of the founding of the archdiocese of San Francisco, is a testimony to your commitment to the growth of Christian unity through sincere dialogue, common prayer and fraternal cooperation in the service of the Gospel."

"At a time of conflict and grave unrest in our world," he concluded, "I pray that your witness to the Gospel message of reconciliation, solidarity and love will be a sign of hope and promise of the unity of a humanity reborn and renewed in the grace of Christ."

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