For a better witness to the world
In his first message to the Cardinals (April 20, 2005), Pope Benedict XVI called for unity among the bishops and unity among Christians for the sake of evangelization. He said that as the Successor of the Apostle Peter , he "aims, as a primary commitment, to work without sparing energies for the reconstitution of the full and visible unity of all the followers of Christ." He sees this as his imperative duty. He said:
We must mature in this adult faith; we must lead the flock of Christ to this faith. And this faith, the only faith, creates unity and takes place in charity. St. Paul offers us a beautiful phrase, in opposition to the continual ups and downs of those who are like children tossed by the waves, to bring about truth in charity, as fundamental formula of Christian existence. Truth and charity coincide in Christ. In the measure that we come close to Christ, also in our life, truth and charity are fused. Charity without truth would be blind; truth without charity would be like "a clanging cymbal" (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Pope Benedict XVI's pontificate began on Sunday April 24, 2005 with an inaugural Mass that introduced new symbols representing the modern-day papacy. Included was the theme of Christian unity:
"Here I want to add something: both the image of the shepherd and that of the fisherman issue an explicit call to unity. "I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must lead them too, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd" (John 10:16); these are the words of Jesus at the end of his discourse on the Good Shepherd. And the account of the 153 large fish ends with the joyful statement: "although there were so many, the net was not torn" (John 21:11). Alas, beloved Lord, with sorrow we must now acknowledge that it has been torn! But no – we must not be sad! Let us rejoice because of your promise, which does not disappoint, and let us do all we can to pursue the path towards the unity you have promised. Let us remember it in our prayer to the Lord, as we plead with him: yes, Lord, remember your promise. Grant that we may be one flock and one shepherd! Do not allow your net to be torn, help us to be servants of unity!"
In an address to delegates of the Orthodox Churches, the Eastern Orthodox Churches and the ecclesial communities of the West, and to representatives of other religions, on April 25, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI said:
"At the beginning of my pontificate, I address to all of you and to believers of the religious traditions here represented, as well as to all those who seek the Truth with a sincere heart, an intense invitation to become together architects of peace, in a reciprocal commitment of understanding, respect and love."
He said that this objective "implies a concrete docility to what the Spirit says to the churches, courage; gentleness; firmness; and hope, to reach the end. It implies, above all, insistent prayer and, with only one heart, to obtain from the Good Shepherd the gift of unity for his flock."
And: "I assure you that the Church wishes to continue to build bridges of friendship with the followers of all the religions to seek the true good of all persons and of the whole society."
Evidence seen in God's timing
Pope John Paul II, who devoted his pontificate to building Christian unity, went Home to the Lord one short week after Easter Sunday. His departure occurred shortly after celebrating the Vigil Mass of Divine Mercy Sunday. His predecessor, Benedict XVI, gave his first Regina Caeli address from the window of the papal apartment (a Sunday tradition begun by John Paul II) on the Sunday that is the traditional Easter of Orthodox Christians.
Coincidence? Pope Benedict said that God is asking us to travel decisively toward full unity":
"I would like to greet the Orthodox Churches and the Eastern Orthodox Churches with particular affection, who precisely this Sunday celebrate the resurrection of Christ. To these our beloved brothers I address the traditional proclamation of joy: "Christos anesti!" Yes, Christ is risen, he is truly risen. It is my heartfelt hope that the celebration of Easter will be for them a unanimous prayer of faith and praise of him who is our common Lord, and who calls us to walk with determination on the path to full communion."
