Benedict XVI Reportedly Wants to Meet Alexy II

Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz revealed that news today in a meeting with journalists reporting on the Synod of Bishops.

But he acknowledged that he has no information about possible preparations for such a meeting.

"Let's pray that the meeting between the Pope and Alexy II will take place soon," said Archbishop Kondrusiewicz, 59. "This event will allow us to turn the page on the past and to open a new era of relations between the two Churches."

The archbishop explained that the idea of Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, to hold a synod between Catholic and Orthodox bishops, is shared by the Holy Father, who in turn has received the support of the Moscow Orthodox.

"It is no longer the time to throw stones at one another, but to pick them up," said Archbishop Kondrusiewicz. "We must pray to God so that the dates of such a synod can be established, and we can try to be good servants of the Holy Spirit."