The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, expressed his desire today that the "Jubilee of Mercy" which begins on Tuesday, will raise the awareness of Catholics and Orthodox Christians and overcome the "sin of division".
At the Mass in St. Peter's Square, the Pope expressed his desire that this "Holy Year" be an opportunity for mutual forgiveness and reconciliation between the Catholic and Orthodox churches. The great schism between Rome and Constantinople dates back to 1054.
"There is no common path without asking for divine and mutual forgiveness of the sin of division," said the pope, who sent a special greeting to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, whom he considers his friend.
The relations between the Vatican and the Ecumenical Patriarchate are good, but rapprochement with other Orthodox churches, especially with Russia, is more difficult, France Press said.
Unlike Protestants, Orthodox have little differences in their doctrine in relation to Catholicism. On several occasions, Francis expressed his desire to overcome the schism and restore unity.
In March, on the second anniversary of his election as head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis announced a special Holy Year of Mercy, which will last from December 8 this year to November 20, 2016.
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