The Pope expressed this conviction today when he met with an ecumenical delegation of Catholics, Greek Orthodox and Anglicans from the San Francisco area, who were accompanied by Archbishop William Levada.
The pilgrimage coincided with the 150th anniversary of the founding of the San Francisco Archdiocese, in California.
«At a time of conflict and grave unrest in our world, I pray that your witness to the Gospel message of reconciliation, solidarity and love will be a sign of hope and a promise of the unity of a humanity reborn and renewed in the grace of Christ,» the Pope exhorted.
He called the pilgrimage «a testimony to your commitment to the growth of Christian unity through sincere dialogue, common prayer and fraternal cooperation in the service of the Gospel.»
He added: «It is my hope that your visit to this city, blessed by the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul and the memory of the early martyrs, will deepen your love of Jesus Christ and your zeal for the spread of his Kingdom.»
