VATICAN CITY, JUN 16, 2005 (VIS) - Benedict XVI today received Reverend Samuel Kobia, secretary general of the World Council of Churches (WCC), accompanied by his wife and members of his delegation who this week have been on an official visit to Rome.
The Pope recalled how relations between the Catholic Church and the WCC developed during Vatican Council II and that in 1965 this led "to the establishment of the Joint Working Group as an instrument of ongoing contact and cooperation. ... Next November an important consultation on the future of the Joint Working Group will be held to mark the fortieth anniversary of its founding. My hope and prayer is that its purpose and working methodology will be further clarified for the sake of ever more effective ecumenical understanding, cooperation and progress."
The Pope went on: "In the very first days of my pontificate I stated that my 'primary task is the duty to work tirelessly to rebuild the full and visible unity of all Christ's followers.' This requires ... 'concrete gestures which enter hearts and stir consciences… inspiring in everyone that inner conversion that is the prerequisite for all ecumenical progress'."
The Holy Father expressed the hope that Rev. Tobia's visit to the Holy See "has been fruitful, strengthening the bonds of understanding and friendship between us. The commitment of the Catholic Church to the search for Christian unity is irreversible. I therefore wish to assure you that she is eager to continue cooperation with the World Council of Churches."
AC/ECUMENISM/WCC:KOBIA VIS 20050616 (260)
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