Prof. Dr. Annemarie Mayer had an online lecture at DLMPES

The lecture was well prepared and lively. Dr. Annemarie presented numerous pope’s citing concerning the ecumenical issue, systematically organizing them into 5 blocks. Professor mentioned several historical encounters, which the Francis had right after becoming a pope. She analyzed his ecumenical program in Evangelii Gaudium, where the pope said: “How many important things unite us! If we really believe in the abundantly free working of the Holy Spirit, we can learn so much from one another!”

The third part was entitled ‘The mystery of unity has already begun’, where Dr. Mayer quoted Francis vision on the inter-Christian relations presented in the picture of polyhedron: ‘Here our model is not the sphere, which is no greater than its parts, where every point is equidistant from the centre, and there are no differences between them. Instead, it is the polyhedron, which reflects the convergence of all its parts, each of which preserves its distinctiveness’ (EG 236)...‘Pastoral and political activity alike seek to gather in this polyhedron the best of each’ (EG 236).

Broadening the denominational perspective and emerging ecumenical paradigm where the topics of the Prof. Annemarie presentation. She said that the Pope Francis stressed the importance of the open dialogue and creating friendship among Christians. Mutual social engagement plays an important role in the ecumenical rapprochement today. And a strong bond, that already unites us which goes beyond all divisions, the pope sees in the testimony of Christians from different Churches and traditions, victims of persecution and violence simply because of the faith they profess.

Pope Francis has an open mind and strong will not only wait for the Christian unity but be a leader of those who want to realize the Christ’s calling towards the unity.