Pope Benedict XVI met on January 18 with an ecumenical delegation from Finland, which was in Rome to celebrate the feast of St. Henry, the country's patron, on the following day.In his remarks to the group, which he delivered in English, the Holy Father spoke of the "royal door of ecumenism," which leads to the kingdom of God.
He said: "The joint prayer of Lutherans and Catholics from Finland is a humble but faithful sharing in the prayer of Jesus, Who promised that every prayer raised to the Father in his name would be heard."
Taking note of the fact that the Finnish group would be in Rome as the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began, the Pope encouraged their continued efforts.
He voiced his hope that they would draw new strength from their visit to the sites where Sts. Peter and Paul were martyred, and bring new vigor to their efforts to spread the Gospel in "the new and challenging circumstances of Europe today." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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