Pope Francis has become the first pope to visit an Anglican church in Rome.
Francis took part in an evening liturgy at All Saints’ Anglican Church and blessed an icon of Christ the Saviour to commemorate the parish’s 200th anniversary.
During a question-and-answer session with parishioners, the Pope said he and the Most Revd Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, were considering a joint visit to South Sudan.
He said a request had been made to them by the country’s Anglican, Catholic and Presbyterian bishops.
“And we are thinking about whether it can be done, if the situation is too difficult down there. But we must do it because they – the three [bishops] – together want peace and they are working together for peace,” he said.
In answering parishioners’ questions the Pope said that ecumenism was not a laboratory experiment focused on theology but a common journey.
While theological dialogue was necessary, he said, Catholics and Anglicans could continue to “help each other in our needs, in our lives and help each other spiritually”.
“This cannot be done in a laboratory; it must be done walking together along the way. We are on a journey and while we walk, we can have these [theological] discussions.”
The prayer service included a “twinning” pledge between All Saints’ and the Catholic parish that shares its name in Rome. As Francis looked on, the priests of both parishes signed a pledge to collaborate in retreats and works of charity, and share meals with each other. The Pope was also presented with gifts, including marmalade and Simnel cake.
Cardinal: my Communion advice is not for gay couples
Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio, one of the most prominent defenders of Communion for the remarried, has said that his proposed guidance would apply to the divorced and remarried, but not to gay couples.
Cardinal Coccopalmerio, president of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, previously said that divorced and remarried couples could take Communion if they found it “impossible” to avoid sex.
The Church has taught that the remarried cannot receive Communion, except possibly when they endeavour to live “in complete continence”. Cardinal Coccopalmerio’s critics accused him of contradicting both this doctrine and the Council of Trent’s infallible teaching that it is always possible to keep the commandments.
In an interview with Crux, the cardinal was asked whether the Church’s traditional teaching should also be changed for sexually active gay couples, some of whom are civilly married. The cardinal claimed that it was “clearly” different because in Church teaching , ‘it’s not a natural condition. We can accept them, welcome them … but it’s not [the same].’ ”
Fast relaxed for St Patrick’s Day
Several US bishops have issued dispensations for Catholics in their dioceses allowing them to eat meat on St Patrick’s Day.
The day, March 17, falls on a Friday this year. Most bishops urged Catholics to perform an act of penance, or abstain from meat on the Saturday instead.
Bishop Robert Morlino of Wisconsin went further, asking for “due moderation” on St Patrick’s Day.
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