THE WORLD NEEDS THE UNITED WITNESS OF CHRISTIANS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 17, 2001 (VIS) - The participants in the plenary session of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity were welcomed by the Holy Father this morning, who thanked them for their work and further encouraged them, stating that "More and more it is becoming clear that the world needs the united witness of Christians."

"In truth and love," the Pope addressed them in English, "these could be the words which express the essence of your study and discussions during these days, as you have sought to take stock of the progress made in recent times in ecumenical dialogue. I hope that my Message at the beginning of your meeting will have confirmed for you that for the Bishop of Rome and for the Catholic Church the movement towards visible communion of all Christ's followers is not merely an appendix of the Church's activity, but an essential feature of her life and mission."

"You are joined," said John Paul II, "by representatives of the American Episcopalian Communities in Europe who are in Rome for their annual convention.

"Dear friends, I greet you and thank you for your presence. Among you are a number of young people, a sure sign of hope that the search for Christian unity will be carried out by a new generation of men and women committed to making a reality of the Lord's prayer: 'that all may be one'."

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