Anglican Communion News Service

On behalf of the Anglican Communion worldwide, I extend sympathy to our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic Church as we join in mourning the death of Pope John Paul II.

Yet, at the same time, we also join people everywhere in thanking God for the long and remarkable ministry of this beloved Christian leader and pray Gods blessing on the Roman Catholic Church as it seeks guidance in selecting a successor. Pope John Paul II's dedication to ecumenism was tireless and his relationships with three Archbishops of Canterbury, the late Lord Runcie, Lord Carey and Archbishop Rowan Williams, were marked by mutual care, affection, and respect.

The Anglican Communion Office and the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity work closely and I pray the vitality of that work will continue. We especially remember Cardinal Kasper, Fr Don Bolen, and its staff in our prayers.

The Revd Canon Kenneth Kearon
Secretary General of the Anglican Communion

Related News Entries

• Anglican tributes to Pope John Paul II (April 8, 2005)