Acta Francisci Pp. 457

achieved. Despite difficulties, we must not lose heart, but we must trust

even more in the power of the Holy Spirit, who can heal and reconcile us,

and accomplish what humanly does not seem possible.

3. There is a strong bond that already unites us which goes beyond

all divisions: it is the testimony of Christians from different Churches and

traditions, victims of persecution and violence simply because of the faith

they profess. And not only now, that there are many of them: I think also

of the martyrs of Uganda, half Catholics and half Anglicans. The blood of

these martyrs will nourish a new era of ecumenical commitment, a fervent

desire to fulfill the last will and testament of the Lord: that all may be

one.2 The witness by these our brothers and sisters demands that we live

in harmony with the Gospel and that we strive with determination to fulfill

the Lord's will for his Church. Today the world urgently needs the common,

joyful witness of Christians, from the defence of life and human dignity to

the promotion of justice and peace.

Together let us invoke the gifts of the Holy Spirit in order to be able

to respond courageously to « the signs of the times » which are calling all

Christians to unity and common witness. May the Holy Spirit abundantly

inspire your work. Many thanks for your service.

2 Cf. Jn 17: 21.