Anglican Pays a Farewell Visit to Pope

ROME, JUNE 21, 2002 (Zenit.org).- At an audience with the archbishop of Canterbury, John Paul II said that obstacles still separate Catholics and Anglicans, but he also praised the Briton´s efforts at Mideast peace.

Today´s audience between George Carey and the Pope had the air of a farewell as the Anglican leader plans to retire Oct. 31.

The Holy Father recalled some of the key events of the relations between Catholics and Anglicans over the 11 years that Dr. Carey has headed the 70-million-member Anglican Communion.

In a brief address, the Holy Father mentioned the Common Declaration the two leaders signed in 1996.

But he also referred to the "obstacles which keep us from full communion," and confirmed his determination "to consult further about how the relationship between the Anglican Communion and the Catholic Church is to progress."

"In recent months, we have begun to see the fruits of this spirit of perseverance through the formation of the new International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission, to accompany the continuing work of the Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission," the Pope said.

John Paul II acknowledged Dr. Carey´s efforts in favor of dialogue in the Holy Land, "bringing together Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders to seek a lasting solution."

"May this and all your initiatives for peace with justice find support and bring hope amid struggle and pain," the Pope concluded.