Looking at the Primacy of Peter
 Pope
John Paul II leaves us with a "bequest," as Luigi Accattoli
has put it in his book Man
of the Millennium. In 1995 in his document Ut Unum Sint
(That They All May Be One) he called on all the Churches,
together with the Catholic Church, to find new ways of exercising
the "Petrine ministry," so that the role of Peter might
be acknowledged by all. In effect, he opened for discussion the
papal ministry and its historical exercise. Looking toward the goal
of unity he said in 1993, "To achieve the much desired union
of all the believers in Christ would constitute, and certainly will
constitute, one of the great events of human history" (Estonia,
September 10, 1993). Paul VI had said earlier, "We know very
well that the Pope is without a doubt the greatest obstacle on the
road of ecumenism" (April 28, 1967). John Paul II inherited
this charge from his predecessor and said, "Let’s see
what we can do about it."
In paragraphs 88-96 of the encyclical Ut Unum
Sint, John Paul II lays out his extraordinary proposal to search
together for new ways of exercising that Petrine Ministry.
After centuries of bitter controversy, the other
churches and ecclesial communities are more and more taking a fresh
look at this ministry of unity…. I am convinced that I have
a particular responsibility in this regard, above all in acknowledging
the ecumenical aspirations of the majority of the Christian communities
and in heeding the request made of me to find a way of exercising
the primacy which is nonetheless open to a new situation….
I insistently pray the Holy Spirit to shine his light upon us, enlightening
all the pastors and theologians of our churches, that we may seek,
together, of course, the form in which this ministry may accomplish
a service of love recognized by all concerned.
This is an immense task, which we cannot refuse
and which I cannot carry out by myself. Could not the real but imperfect
communion existing between us persuade church leaders and their
theologians to engage with me in patient and fraternal dialogue
on this subject, a dialogue in which, leaving useless controversies
behind, we could listen to one another, keeping before us only the
will of Christ for his Church and allowing ourselves to be deeply
moved by his plea "that they may all be one…so that the
world may know that you have sent me" (Jn. 17:21).
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