DAMASCUS, Syria (CNS): On a pilgrimage highlighted by bold ecumenical and interreligious gestures, Pope John Paul II reached across centuries of division to Orthodox Christians in Greece and Muslims in Syria.
In Greece May 4-5, the Pope issued a dramatic apology for past treatment of the Orthodox and said it was time to “heal the wounds” that have divided Eastern and Western churches for nearly 1000 years.
Vatican and Orthodox officials called the visit an ecumenical breakthrough.
In Syria May 6, he became the first pope in history to enter a mosque, where he was warmly greeted by his Muslim hosts. He said Christianity and Islam should forever put aside conflict and ask forgiveness for past offences.
The Pope was tracing the footsteps of St Paul, and he encouraged the minority Catholic communities in Greece and Syria to follow the Apostle’s example in combining evangelisation and dialogue.
He said St Paul had approached the ancient peoples of the region on their own cultural terms 2,000 years ago, launching the Church’s universal mission.
The Pope, who turns 81 later in May, appeared tired as he laboured through receptions and liturgies during the first three days of his May 4-9 pilgrimage, which also was to take him to Malta, the site of St Paul’s shipwreck on his way to martyrdom in Rome.
