Pope plumps for Ecumenism; Urges more understanding between Orthodox and Catholics

(ANSA) - Castelgandolfo, August 11 - The pope has set his sights on greater unity among Christians as the Jubilee year 2000 draws near and today urged Roman Catholics and Orthodox to step up efforts to better understand each other and promote ecumenism.

Addressing those gathered outside his summer residence at Castelgandolfo today for his noontime blessings, the pope dwelled eastern theology and doctrinal developments within the church, and emphasized how much Roman Catholics and those of the Orthodox faith have in common. He urged them to push within their respective traditions for "a new Christian springtime." If dissent remains on some point or other, it must not be forgotten that "more unites than divides us", he said.

The pope is spending August in this hilltown south of the Italian capital because it is calmer and cooler than it is in Rome. He looked relaxed and fit today and, as is his custom, he greeted the pilgrims in a variety of languages.

Among the Italians present was a group of young people from Sotto il Monte, the town near Bergamo where Pope John XXIII was born. They brought with them a votive flame for him to bless before it is carried to the birthplaces of all the twentieth-century popes.