Pope Francis and other
Christian leaders on Friday inaugurate the annual Week of Prayer
for Christian Unity with the celebration of evening Vespers in
the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Vatican News
reported.
The joint celebration that kicks off the Week of Prayer for
Christian Unity is a powerful symbol of unity and of the
recognition that Christian denominations are on the path to
unity and getting closer in doctrine.
The Week of Prayer, traditionally observed from 18 to 25
January, unfolds this year on the theme "Justice, and only
justice, you shall pursue" inspired by Deuteronomy.
Pope Francis looked ahead to the Week of Prayer during the
Wednesday General Audience saying that "Again, this year we are
called to pray so that all Christians may once again be a single
family, according to God's will 'so that they may all be one'".
Participating in Vespers at St. Paul's Outside the Walls are
also many faith-based groups that have made ecumenism an
important part of their mission. Amongst them, the Ecumenical
Institute of Bossey, with 29 students from across the Christian
spectrum and from across the globe.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA