27.09.2007, [14:46] // Ecumenism // RISU.ORG.UA
Vatican – Roman Pope Benedict XVI called upon the Ukrainian Catholic bishops of the Latin and the Eastern rites to unite their efforts in their missionary policy in Ukraine. interfax-religion.ru posted the story.
“It will not be difficult for you to strengthen real cooperation between the Latin and the Greek Catholic bishops for the good of the Christian nation,” said the Pontiff at a meeting with a delegation of Ukrainian bishops of the Latin rite and Greek Catholics in his summer residence in Castelgandolf.
The Pope said he is convinced that “brotherly cooperation between pastors will serve as an inspiration for all faithful and… will contribute to a fruitful inter-Christian dialog.”
Pope Benedict XVI devoted special attention to the efforts of the Catholic eparches “to spread and preach the gospel in Ukraine.”
According to the Pope, the missionary activities of Catholics in Ukraine “are often confronted with difficulties on the way; however, there is always an understanding that Christ leads his herd with a sure hand.”
Benedict XVI proposed that Roman Catholic bishops meet with the Greek Catholics at least once a year to reach consensus “so that the pastoral work be more balanced and efficient.”