Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale700

human contexts. With complete respect for each other's doctrinal and dis-

ciplinary traditions, Catholic and Assyrian Christians are called to reject

antagonistic attitudes and polemical statements, to grow in understanding

of the Christian faith which they share and to bear witness as brothers and

sisters to Jesus Christ "the power of God and the wisdom of God".2 New

hopes and possibilities sometimes awaken new fears, and this is also true

with regard to ecumenical relations. Certain recent developments in the As-

syrian Church of the East have created some obstacles to the promising work

of the Joint Commission. It is to be hoped that the fruitful labour which the

Commission has accomplished over the years can continue, while never losing

sight of the ultimate goal of our common journey towards the re-establish-

ment of full communion.

Working for Christian unity is, in fact, a duty born of our fidelity to

Christ, the Shepherd of the Church, who gave his life "to gather into one

the dispersed children of God".3 However long and laborious the path to-

wards unity may seem, we are asked by the Lord to join our hands and

hearts, so that together we can bear clearer witness to him and better serve

our brothers and sisters, particularly in the troubled regions of the East,

where many of our faithful look to us, their Pastors, with hope and expectation.

With these sentiments, I once more thank Your Holiness for your

presence here today and for your commitment to continuing along the

path of dialogue and unity. May the Lord abundantly bless your ministry

and sustain you and the faithful whom you serve with his gifts of wisdom,

joy and peace.

VII

Ad Sessionem motus caritatis ad Ecclesias Orientales sustinendas (ROACO).*

Beatitudini,

Cari fratelli nell'Episcopato e nel Sacerdozio,

cari amici della R.O.A.C.O.!

L'odierno incontro ravviva in me la gioia della recente visita alla Congre-

gazione per le Chiese Orientali nel 90o anniversario della sua istituzione. In

quella circostanza, Lei, Eminenza, mi aveva espresso un particolare saluto a

2 1 Cor 1:24. 3 Jn 11:51-52.

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* Die 21 Iunii 2007