MESSAGE TO THE NEW ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY

Vatican City,  (VIS) - Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, has sent a message to the new Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of the Anglican Communion, the Right Reverend Justin Welby. Writing on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI and of his own dicastery, the cardinal expresses his "congratulations and warmest best wishes.

"Relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion are a hugely important part of the ecumenical call for all Christians to seek greater fidelity to the Lord’s will, so clearly expressed in his prayer to the Father at the Last Supper 'that all may be one'. For almost fifty years, as you are well aware, there has been a formal theological dialogue which continues to seek a deeper understanding of the great heritage shared by Anglicans and Catholics, as well as the points of divergence which still impede fully restored ecclesial communion. During that same time, relations between succeeding Popes and Archbishops of Canterbury have been marked by numerous meetings which have expressed intense spiritual and human friendship, and a shared concern for our Gospel witness and service to the human family.

"I am certain that under your leadership those excellent relations will continue to bear fruit, and I look forward to meeting you personally, and to future opportunities to share our common commitment to the cause of Christian Unity, 'so that the world may believe'.

"Please accept the assurance of my earnest prayers for you and your family as you prepare for a new phase in your dedicated service of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ".