Pope
Francis welcomes head of Lutheran Church of Sweden
(Vatican
Radio) Catholic-Lutheran dialogue was under the spotlight in the Vatican on
Monday as Pope Francis met with the head of the Church of Sweden and Archbishop
of Uppsala Antje Jackelén. Originally from Germany, Archbishop Jackelén is
Sweden’s first foreign-born archbishop since the 12th century and the first
female head of the Church there. Philippa Hitchen reports….
The
importance of actively promoting Christian unity, the impact of the forthcoming
joint commemoration of the Reformation and the need to work together on behalf
of the poor and marginalized. Those were among the key themes that Pope Francis
focused on in his words to Archbishop Jackelén, noting that the Vatican II
document, 'Unitatis Redintegratio', half a century ago, invites all
Catholics to read the signs of the times and overcome the divisions that cause
scandal and hinder the preaching of the Gospel.
While
there is still much work to be done, the Pope said he hoped the 2017
commemoration of the Reformation and the recent joint document ‘From
Conflict to Communion’ may encourage Lutherans and Catholics to take
further steps towards full unity of sacramental life and ecclesial ministry.
In
particular Pope Francis spoke of the need for a common commitment of Christians
towards those who are most in need, building on the shared witness of our
persecuted brothers and sisters. Key contemporary questions of the dignity of
human life, family and sexuality must not be ignored, he said, out of fear of
endangering the ecumenical consensus that’s already been achieved.
Finally
the Pope added his personal thanks to the Lutheran Church in Sweden for its
welcome of so many South American migrants who fled from the dictatorships on
that continent during past decades.
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