Acta Francisci Pp. 509

in spite of divisions, and have recently been revitalized. They challenge us

to intensify our common efforts to persevere in the search for visible unity

in diversity, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

3. We recall with gratitude the historic meeting forty-four years ago between

our predecessors, Pope Paul VI and Pope Shenouda III, in an embrace of peace

and fraternity, after many centuries when our mutual bonds of love were not

able to find expression due to the distance that had arisen between us. The

Common Declaration they signed on 10 May 1973 represented a milestone on

the path of ecumenism, and served as a starting point for the Commission

for Theological Dialogue between our two Churches, which has borne much

fruit and opened the way to a broader dialogue between the Catholic Church

and the whole family of Oriental Orthodox Churches. In that Declaration, our

Churches acknowledged that, in line with the apostolic tradition, they profess

"one faith in the One Triune God" and "the divinity of the Only-begotten Son

of God ... perfect God with respect to his divinity, perfect man with respect

to his humanity". It was also acknowledged that "the divine life is given to us

and is nourished in us through the seven sacraments" and that "we venerate

the Virgin Mary, Mother of the True Light", the " Theotokos".

4. With deep gratitude we recall our own fraternal meeting in Rome on 10

May 2013, and the establishment of 10 May as the day when each year we

deepen the friendship and brotherhood between our Churches. This renewed

spirit of closeness has enabled us to discern once more that the bond unit-

ing us was received from our one Lord on the day of our Baptism. For it is

through Baptism that we become members of the one Body of Christ that is

the Church.2 This common heritage is the basis of our pilgrimage together

towards full communion, as we grow in love and reconciliation.

5. We are aware that we still have far to go on this pilgrimage, yet we recall

how much has already been accomplished. In particular, we call to mind the

meeting between Pope Shenouda III and Saint John Paul II, who came as a pil-

grim to Egypt during the Great Jubilee of the year 2000. We are determined

to follow in their footsteps, moved by the love of Christ the good Shepherd, in

the profound conviction that by walking together, we grow in unity. May we

draw our strength from God, the perfect source of communion and love.

2 Cf. 1Cor 12:13.