(AP) - The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church has told Pope Benedict XVI he hopes for a "rapid resolution" of ongoing problems that divide the Catholic and Orthodox churches, according to a letter released Friday by the Vatican.
Patriarch Alexy II also said in the Feb. 22 letter to the Pope that he was
convinced defending Christian values in contemporary society should be a
priority for both churches.
"I hope that the rapid resolution of outstanding problems between our two
Churches will also contribute to this end," Alexy wrote in thanking the pope
for a letter he sent to mark the patriarch's birthday.
Benedict, who has pledged to make healing strained ties with the Orthodox
Church a "fundamental" commitment, in his letter repeated his call for the
two churches to improve their relationship.
"Gestures and words of renewed fraternity between the pastors of the Lord's
flock indicate a more intense collaboration in the truth and in charity will
help increase the spirit of communion that should guide the paths of all
baptized," Benedict wrote.