God works in mysterious ways. This may happen sooner than anyone thinks.
CWN – Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople has told reporters that he sees a possibility for reunion between the Orthodox and Roman churches, even if it “will probably not happen during my life.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch, who made history by traveling to Rome for the inaugural Mass of Pope Francis, said that he was surprised to receive an invitation from the new Pontiff to join in a dinner with cardinals.
Speaking in Turkey after his return, the Orthodox leader said that he saw a new attitude at the Vatican, which heightened his optimism about the prospects for restoring Christian unity. He said that “there is a possibility for the next generations to see the churches of the East and West.”[source]
March 29, 2013 at 2:02 pm
MOI AUSSI
March 29, 2013 at 2:55 pm
It could happen next week. Francis will just state that the bishop of Rome is first among equals, he has no authority over anyone. He is dismantling the papacy every day,so yes I can see it happening. And then one world wide religion with the United Nations calling the shot, I don't think Francis would have a problem with that.
March 29, 2013 at 5:18 pm
I sincerely hope it happens. Pope Francis' early ministry as Bishop of Rome convinces me that it very likely could happen.
March 29, 2013 at 5:52 pm
Anonymous, you have been told erroneous things. Remember who you are, and remember the promises Jesus made. Don't let that sad little spirit Rumor get you down.
March 29, 2013 at 7:25 pm
The more the Pope looks like Peter the apostle and less than Constantine the emperor, the more efficacious and authentic his message becomes.
March 29, 2013 at 9:15 pm
I could possibly have foreseen a reunion under Benedict or a future Pope that followed in Benedict's footsteps in working towards a liturgical restoration. I don't see it happening under Francis if current indications of his "liturgical sensibilities" come to fruition.
March 29, 2013 at 10:03 pm
Dear Lord please assist the leaders of the East and West toward this goal. I feel this pain everyday in my Orthodox/Catholic mixed marriage.
March 30, 2013 at 2:44 am
I think Father Rick's remark comparing Francis to Peter and Benedict to Constantine is a outrage and frankly I for one am sick of seeing him belittled compared to "Francis the Fabulous" For you info Fr. Rick what the Pope Emeritus tried to do with his "trappings" was not being any kind of Ruler but was trying to show the VII was in line with the Church's 2000 year Tradition. That's all. He saw himself as a Humble Servant in the Lord's Vineyard.
March 30, 2013 at 3:51 am
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March 30, 2013 at 3:56 am
How can anyone infer that I was comparing Francis and Benedict from that generalized statement?
That is rash judgment.
March 30, 2013 at 4:01 am
something to remember- there is not unity among the orthodox Churches- I have high hopes for unity with Constantinople- much less with Moscow (Patriarch of Moscow is demanding that Pope Francis abandon us 'Unites'- Byzantine Catholics)
March 30, 2013 at 4:01 am
Also, I have no right to judge Pope Benedict because I do not know his intent. He obeyed tradition and was humble that way.
Pope Francis follows his lights. People will be judged in the privacy of their consciences with the lights shown them.
So, hopefully people will stop bashing the Popes around for having "false humility" or being "pompous". Only God knows.
March 31, 2013 at 12:53 pm
Priest's Wife- on the contrary, there is great unity amongst the Orthodox. Our only significant disagreement of note is which vegetables we prefer to stuff for Lent.