As the Church celebrates Christian Unity week, which takes place from January 18-25, Pope Benedict XVI is also calling for prayers for peace.
"For the prayer of Christian unity I would like to add again that one for peace, because, in the ongoing diverse conflicts, and end to the massacres of unarmed civilians, an end to all violence, and that courage to dialogue and to negotiate is found," the Pope said from his Aposotolic Palace window at St. Peter's Square on Sunday.
According to the Catholic News Agency (CNA), the Pope went on to detail the importance of unity.
"One of the most serious sins that disfigures the face of the Church is against its visible unity, especially the historical divisions the have separated Christians that haven't yet been overcome," he said. "It's a moment always welcome to believers and communities, which awakens in all the desire and spirit of commitment to full communion."
He went on to recall the vigil he participated in last month with thousands of young Europeans and the Taize ecumenical community, calling it "very significant" and "a moment of grace in which we experienced the beauty in the form of one Christ."
"I encourage everyone to pray together so that we achieve this year's theme, which is, 'What does the Lord require of us?'" the Pope said.
The Pope will close the week of prayer for Christian unity by presiding vespers in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls alongside representatives of other churches and communities.
Click here for more information about the week of Christian Unity.
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