His Holiness Pope Francis and other Christian leaders on Friday inaugurated the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with the celebration of evening Vespers in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. 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.
As reported by Vatican news, His Holiness 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’”. The Pontiff pointed out that “ecumenism is not something optional” and said it aims “to develop a common and consistent witness that promotes true justice and support for the weakest through responses that are concrete, appropriate and effective”.
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.
