| Ut unum sint | |
| Language: | Latin |
| Argument: | About the ecumenical commitment |
| Date: | 25 May 1995 |
| Pope: | John Paul II |
| Papal Coat Of Arms: | John paul 2 coa.svg |
| Number: | 12 of 14 |
| Web En: | https://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25051995_ut-unum-sint_en.html |
| Web La: | https://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25051995_ut-unum-sint_lt.html |
Ut unum sint (Latin: 'That they may be one') is an encyclical by Pope John Paul II of 25 May 1995. It was one of 14 encyclicals issued by John Paul II. Cardinal Georges Cottier, Theologian emeritus of the Pontifical Household, was influential in drafting the encyclical.[1]
Like many encyclicals, this one derives its title from its "incipit" or first few words. These words are taken from the prayer of Jesus "at the hour of his Passion" in the Vulgate translation of the Gospel according to John.[2] The document deals with the Catholic Church's relations with the Eastern Orthodox Church and other Christian ecclesial communities. It reiterates 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 committed to unity. It has become a common piece of study in ecumenical classes.
Although it builds on the Second Vatican Council's decree, Unitatis redintegratio, and pays testimony to the work of Popes Paul VI and John Paul I,[3] Ut unum sint was the first encyclical ever devoted exclusively to the ecumenical imperative. In this groundbreaking exercise of the papal magisterium, Pope John Paul affirmed that the ecumenical commitment made at Vatican II was irreversible. He taught his fellow Catholics that the quest for Christian unity ought to be sustained both internationally and in the local churches.[4]
Paragraph 9 summarises the place of Christian unity in the Church's thinking:
To believe in Christ means to desire unity; to desire unity means to desire the Church; to desire the Church means to desire the communion of grace which corresponds to the Father's plan from all eternity. Such is the meaning of Christ's prayer: "Ut unum sint".[5]
In paragraph 54, the Pope wrote that "the Church must breathe with her two lungs!"
In paragraph 79, five subjects are noted to be "in need of fuller study before a true consensus of faith can be achieved":
After an introduction, the encyclical's three chapters are entitled:
These sections are followed by an exhortation calling on "everyone to renew their commitment to work for full and visible communion". (Paragraph 100)
The ultimate goal of the ecumenical movement is to "re-establish full visible unity among all the baptized". (Para. 77)
"It is understandable how the seriousness of the commitment to ecumenism presents a deep challenge to the Catholic faithful. The Spirit calls them to make a serious examination of conscience." (Para. 82)