Ut unum sint Latin : That they may be one Encyclical letter of Pope John Paul II |
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Date | 25 May 1995 |
Argument | About the ecumenical commitment |
Encyclical number | 12 of 14 of the pontificate |
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Ut unum sint (Latin: 'That they may be one') is an encyclical by Pope John Paul II of May 25, 1995. It was one of 14 encyclicals issued by John Paul II. Cardinal Georges Cottier, Theologian emeritus of the Pontifical Household and now Cardinal-Deacon of Santi Domenico e Sisto the University Church of the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Angelicum was influential in drafting the encyclical.
Like many encyclicals, this one derives its title from its "incipit" or first few words, which are taken from the prayer of Jesus in the Vulgate translation of the Gospel according to John. It deals with the Catholic Church's relations with the Orthodox Church and other Christian ecclesial communities. This document reiterated that unity of these two sui juris churches is essential, as well as further dialogue and unity with the Protestant churches. This document shows that the Catholic Church is officially moved to unity. It has become a common piece of study in ecumenical classes.
In paragraph 54 the Pope wrote that "the Church must breathe with her two lungs!" In paragraph 79, five subjects are noted to be important for "more clear" understanding that will bring unity: