Pope John XXIII

The goal of ecumenism is full unity and the Catholic Church is firmly committed to pursuing that goal, Pope Benedict said.

The search for Christian unity is not a political process requiring "the ability to negotiate or a greater ability to find compromises," but it is a religious effort to fulfill God's will, the pope said Nov. 18 during a meeting with members of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

In the 50 years since Pope John XXIII established the council, he said, Catholics have grown in their knowledge, understanding and esteem for other Christian churches and communities

Pope Benedict said while many people today believe ecumenism has lost its steam, the churches must "reawaken ecumenical interest and give a new incisiveness to the dialogues."