AsiaNews.it declares that Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople will attend the inaugural mass of Pope Francis. This is absolutely historic, as it hasn’t happened in nearly a millennium!
Catholic/Orthodox relations have been steadily improving since Vatican II, and in recent years, Popes like John Paul II and Benedict XVI have placed a heavy emphasis on ecumenical dialogue with the eastern churches.
Now, the fruits of such optimistic striving on both sides is starting to show real fruit that begins to promise a chance at real unity.
It may be the case that the pope with 1 lung brings both of the lungs of the church finally together, so that the church may once again breath as one.