This morning in the Vatican, Benedict XVI greeted a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, currently in Rome to attend celebrations to mark the closing of the Pauline Year on Monday, June 29th, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.

On this occasion, the Pope highlighted the importance of ecumenical dialogue, both at a theological and grass roots level. Your presence here, the Holy Father went on to say, is a sign of fraternity within the Church.

And, in this respect, Benedict XVI praised the theological progress achieved by the International Catholic and Orthodox Commission, which is due to meet in October to discuss the role of the Bishop of Rome.

Finally, the Pope added, it is this climate of respect and love between us that has helped us overcome past controversies and tensions.