Ut Unum Sint turns 30: A milestone for Christian unity
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Ut unum sint, Pope St John Paul II's landmark encyclical on ecumenism, signed on May 25, 1995, the Solemnity of the Ascension. Jun 06, 2025
(Aleteia/Hazem Bader
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Ut unum sint, Pope St John Paul II's landmark encyclical on ecumenism, signed on May 25, 1995, the Solemnity of the Ascension. Building on Vatican II's Unitatis redintegratio, the document reaffirmed the Catholic Church's irrevocable commitment to Christian unity. Deacon Daniel Galadza, a professor at Rome's Pontifical Oriental Institute and member of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, notes how UUS affirms the term 'sister churches' for Eastern churches not in communion with Rome and embraces the image of the Church 'breathing with both lungs,' East and West. At its heart is Christ's desire 'that all may be one.' Though written three decades ago, UUS remains relevant today, especially as the Church celebrates another Jubilee Year. Many themes continue to echo, including ongoing dialogue with the Eastern Churches and growing signs of unity, such as Orthodox participation in papal liturgies and the return of relics to Constantinople. Deacon Galadza highlights Pope Leo XIV's recent audience with Eastern Catholics, a papal event that, though not overtly ecumenical, underscored the unity and mission of the Eastern Churches — both in and outside communion with Rome. He notes that Pope Leo's use of Eastern saints and his concern for Christians in conflict zones like the Middle East, Ukraine, and Tigray resonate deeply with Orthodox Christians.
Looking ahead, Deacon Galadza says unity may still feel distant, but progress has been made. Gestures like the Ecumenical Patriarch's presence at Pope Leo's inauguration are powerful signs of hope, pointing towards the shared longing for full communion, one day, at the Eucharistic table. --Vatican News
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