Bartholomeow: Unity is Christians' one of the first and foremost concerns

Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeow said that unity among Christians was of utmost importance for the Fener Greek Orthodox community.

"The unity among Christians is one of our first and foremost concerns," said Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeow at the meeting Pope Francis held with sister churches and representatives of the Jewish and Muslim communities on Wednesday.

Bartholomeow said that the dialogue of theology to make Christianity more appealing should continue and defined the Pope as a "merciful person".

Pope Francis, the 266. pope of the Catholic Church, said the church should be close to women and men, even if they did not hold a religious belief but were seeking for goodness and righteousness, at the meeting with the sister churches and representatives of the Jewish and Muslim communities. "The Catholic Church is aware of the importance and support of the dialogue between itself and women, men and other religions."

Meanwhile, the Director of the Press Office of the Vatican Federico Lombardi said that it was possible for Pope Francis to visit Turkey in the near future as previous popes paid visits to Turkey.

Thursday, March 21, 2013