The eccumenical arguments of this article are certainly part of the article, but the good part is the discussion of apostolicity.
I can see why there’d be disappointment in the RCC holding forth in discussion as if they were saying one thing when actually they had their fingers crossed behind their backs.
Yet, the good part is that the RCC’s claims stand on pretty shaky grounds. As the good book says, “If you think you stand, take heed lest you fall.”
“Yet, the good part is that the RCC’s claims stand on pretty shaky grounds”
Ridiculous. It is a fact that the Roman Catholic Church can actually trace it’s leadership (i.e. the priests and bishops) back to the apostles. Or were you referring to something else?
Regarding ecumenism - it’s a good thing to have dialogue, but it is not a good thing to ignore facts. One ought to seek the truth, not just what seems the easiest form of religion.
On the other hand, the Pope did not say that other Christian denominations were without merit. And, contrary to many erroneous people’s beliefs, the Catholic Church does not think all Protestants are going to hell, or that all Catholics are bound for heaven. The Pope restated the Catholic belief that many graces come from various congregations. Yet, the church’s stance has always been that the RCC has the fullness of the faith as handed down from the apostles. Since the church has no army to hit people over the head or coerce anyone into joining it, no one should feel threatened by this statement.