Pope: Let us intensify prayer for Christian unity

Source: Vatican Media

Marking the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Pope Leo XIV recalled its origins and called for renewed prayer for visible unity among Christians.

Speaking after the Angelus on Sunday, the Pope noted that Week of Prayer for Christian Unity dates back two centuries. The initiative, was "strongly encouraged" by Pope Leo XIII, he said, and exactly 100 years ago, was enriched for the first time by the Suggestions for the Octave of Prayer for the Unity of Christians.

Pope Leo said the theme of this year's Week is taken from Saint Paul's Letter to the Ephesians: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling" (Eph 4:4). The prayers and reflections, he said, were prepared by an ecumenical group coordinated by the Department for Interreligious Relations of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

"I invite all Catholic communities, to intensify their prayer during these days for the full, visible unity of all Christians," the Holy Father said.

On the Solemnity of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Pope Leo will preside at the celebration of Vespers at 5.30pm Rome time in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.