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Wednesday February 13, 2013

Continue inter-faith dialogue, papal successor urged


PETALING JAYA: Pope Benedict XVI's successor should continue with the outgoing pontiff's initiative to promote church unity and inter-faith dialogue, the National Council of Churches Malaysia said.

Its general-secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri said the 85-year-old outgoing Pope had focused much on building ecumenical ties.

“He has also fostered inter-faith dialogues especially between Christians and Muslims.

“We hope whoever takes over will continue with this effort,” he said.

Dr Shastri was commenting on Pope Benedict's announcement to resign at the end of the month due to deteriorating health.

He said the Pope's announcement had caught Christians by surprise, and described it as “extraordinary”.

The last Pope to resign in office was Gregory XII in 1415.

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Pope's shoes a huge pair to fill

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