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CYPRUS: MGR. SOUEIF (MARONITES), “THE POPE OPENED ONE FURTHER ECUMENICAL DIMENSION”

Dettagli
Creato: 09 Giugno 2010
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“It was a successful visit which made us live powerful experiences, both ecumenically and apostolically”. This is how mgr. Joseph Soueif, archbishop of Cyprus of the Maronites, tells to SIR about Benedict XVI’s recent trip to Cyprus (4-6 June) for the handing over of the Instrumentum laboris of the forthcoming Episcopal Synod for the Middle East. Today, at the traditional Wednesday audience, the Pontiff himself spoke again of this visit, insisting that “ecumenical commitment with the Orthodox Church is mutual and irreversible” and exhorting the Catholics of the Middle East not to give in “to discouragement and the temptation to emigrate”. “Cyprus has further opened an ecumenical dimension in the Church, by living a dialogue of life, made of prayer and exchanges, because it is prayer that makes unity”, the Maronite archbishop pointed out.
“Then, the visit to the Latin and Maronite Catholics was one further experience of church – the prelate added –. In this journey, Benedict XVI took care of the small things, the minorities, all the communities, big and small. He encouraged everyone to strengthen their faith, communion and testimony. Not least through forgiveness and reconciliation, two exhortations that are particularly meaningful in the current state of the island that has been experiencing this division since 1974”. A visit, mgr. Soueif concluded, in which Benedict XVI confirmed “that the presence of the Christians in the Middle East is a sign of hope, peace and life. Because of this, in the face of the problems that trouble the populations of this area, the answer cannot be to shut the door and go away, leave the country. One must be convinced and aware that one is also playing a role of moderation and social and religious pluralism”

© SIR - 9 giugno 2010