Although I always rant about the paranoia of Patriarch Alexei of Moscow, it really doesn't look like the Vatican is about to make any concessions to the Orthodox to foster unity. Sometimes I feel they do soublespeak. On one hand, they act as though union is very important (union meaning you come over to our side). Roman Catholic ecclesiology is more a matter of historical development draped in a quasi dogmatic evening gown. Yes, Rome was the center of the Empire and Peter and Paul were martyred there thus the Bishop of Rome should have a special place of honor. Because the west was far more plunged into the Dark Ages due to Germanic invasions than the east, the Pope took on the role of emperor in a sense. The eastern practice of collegiality among the episcopate is the more original practice. On the other hand, the vast majority of Popes after Trent have been good men (unlike the Borgia and Medici popes that came before) and it has "worked" to have a unifying personage as the Pope to rally around.
I feel bad for the newspaper editors who have to come up with headlines for Pope-based stories.
Petrine ministry!??!?! doesn't exactly jump off the page and make you want to buy the paper.
Yes, Pope Benedict XVl, hold fast,Christ is the conerstone once rejected, He made St. Peter the first Pope and those you remain outside need to enter into HIS Church ,the way He intented.It has been so throughout history and shall ever remain. Come to Me,all who labor,and find life burdenson,and I will give you rest. God bless the Sucessor of Peter!
Faith-sharing bump.