In a message addressed to participants at the 2025 Ecumenical Week in Stockholm, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of Christian unity in a world marked by conflict, inequality, and environmental issues. He noted the significance of the gatherings in light of the 100th anniversary of the Universal Christian Conference and the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea.
Pope Leo reflected on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which was instrumental in shaping early Christian beliefs, and reaffirmed the divinity of Jesus Christ as a unifying factor for Christians. He highlighted the courage shown at the Council of Nicaea in maintaining unity amidst differences and related it to the ecumenical spirit of the 1925 Stockholm conference.
Acknowledging the Catholic Church’s commitment to ecumenism since the Vatican II Council, the Pope urged believers to work towards peace, which he described as a sign of God’s presence among them. He called on Christians to become agents of reconciliation, emphasizing the need for compassion and healing in a troubled world. The message reinforced the Catholic Church’s dedication to ongoing prayer and cooperation with other Christian denominations.
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