Pope Francis hopes to convene an ecumenical council for all Christians

Photo: Vatican Media

During a meeting with representatives of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church on 11 November 2024, in the Vatican, Pope Francis expressed his hope for the convention of an ecumenical synod focused on evangelization in order to ensure a fuller Christian testimony, reports vaticannews.va.

In the Pope's view, the most important prospects for interchurch dialogue are synodality and mission. He believes that the synodality of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is closely linked to ecumenism.

"Synodality and ecumenism are indivisible, for they are both aimed at a fuller Christian testimony. However, the mission is not only the goal of the ecumenical journey but also its means," the Pope remarked.

Pope Francis expressed hope for greater unity among Christian churches, saying: "I am convinced that our shared testimony to the risen Christ is the best way to draw us closer. That is why, at the suggestion of our recent Synod, I hope that one day we will be able to hold an ecumenical synod on the theme of evangelization, to ensure a fuller Christian witness, to pray about it, reflect on it, and together make commitments, 'so that the world may believe' (John 17:21)."

In conclusion, the Pope addressed the delegates: "I am convinced that the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, which carries this missionary dimension, has much to offer. But we must walk together, hand in hand."

As earlier reported by the UOJ, the Pontiff hopes to speed up the day of "unified Eucharist" between the East and the West.

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