Almost 27 years after Pope John Paul II's Visit to the Lutheran Church in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI followed in his Predecessor's footsteps on Sunday, 14 March, when he met with the largely German Lutheran community at Christuskirche (Christ Church). John Paul ii had been the first Pontiff to enter a Lutheran Church since the time of the Reformation, as the President of the community Doris Esch recalled in her welcome address to the Holy Father. She emphasized that the community has not forgotten that historic gesture of friendship.
On Sunday, Benedict XVI gave an extemporaneous homily in German on Jn 12: 20-26. His Visit also commemorated the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification.
Pastor Jens-Martin Kruse delivered a homily on 2 Cor 1: 20-26. In it, he highlighted the cordial relations between the Catholic and Lutheran Churches and acknowledged the Pope's deep familiarity with Lutheran theology and spirituality.
Among those accompanying the Holy Father were Cardinals Tarcisio Bertone, William Joseph Levada, Walter Kasper, and Agostino Vallini.
Next week's edition will give full coverage of the event.