Br. Enzo greets John Paul II before leaving for Moscow

When br. Enzo received the invitation to be a member of the Vatican official delegation to the Patriarch of Moscow Alexis II, his heart was filled with joy, surprise, and gratitude. On August 28, 2004, feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the Vatican delegation handed the Icon of the Mother of God of Kazan back to the Patriarch of Moscow, at the explicit request of the late Pope John Paul II.

«This icon – the bishop of Rome said to the members of the Delegation leaving for Moscow – speaks of a deep unity between Christian East and West, which lasts long in spite of all the historical divisions and human mistakes…».

the Patriarch of Moscow Alexis II welcomes the Vatican Delegation

This sign of fraternity was warmly welcomed by the Patriarchate of Moscow. During his visit to Moscow, br. Enzo met the Patriarch Alexis, in front of whom he confirmed our community's commitment to work for the dialogue between our sister Churches; he also visited some of the most meaningful places of the Russian Orthodox tradition, and took part to some Orthodox liturgies.

Truly, only this kind of signs of attention for the other and of mutual recognition can witness to the daring freedom of the Gospel, which is able to open new and unexpected ways towards Christian unity.