Christians' divisions will be healed when there is a fresh outpouring of love for Christ among all Christians, said the preacher of the papal household.In his March 21 homily during the Good Friday of the Lord's Passion, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa said "the fundamental distinction among Christians is not among Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants, but between those who believe that Christ is the son of God and those who do not believe this."
While differences over doctrine exist and must be resolved patiently, there is nothing stopping Christian denominations from uniting immediately through their love for Christ and each other, he said.
"That which will reunite divided Christianity will only be a new wave of love for Christ that spreads among Christians," he said.
"The extraordinary thing about this way to unity based on love is that it is already now wide open before us," he told the pope and hundreds of people in St. Peter's Basilica.
"We can instead be hasty in charity and already be united in that sense now," he said.
Pope Benedict presided over the Good Friday liturgy, beginning the rite by kneeling in front of the altar in silent prayer.
During the ceremony, the pope also held aloft for veneration a black wooden cross that had been used by Pope Leo XIII.
The Capuchin priest noted there is a saying that "loving does not mean looking at each other, but looking together in the same direction," which for Christians means looking at Christ.
The closer Christians move toward Christ, the closer they will come to being united and being one with Jesus and God.
He said Christ died on the cross not just for all those who follow him, but for every human.
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