The restoration of unity among all Christians was a principal concern of the Second Vatican Council. This movement towards Christian unity has grown in the time since the Council and has been pursued and greatly encouraged by Pope John Paul II through his many meetings with world religious leaders and his teaching, especially the encyclical Ut Unum Sint.

The Church knows that she is joined in many ways to the baptized who are honored by the name of Christian, but who do not however profess the Catholic faith in its entirety or have not preserved unity or communion under the successor of Peter.

Spirituality offers a unique opportunity for ecumenical dialogue, for here people of goodwill come together to dialogue about their journey towards God.

In response to the calling found in the depths of every human heart people search for the truth and attempt to enter into communion with the mystery of God. The sharing of this experience is a particular ecumenical moment.

Ecumenism is "based on the conversion of hearts and upon prayer." Prayer is a ground for the discovery of profound unity in Christ. "If Christians, despite their divisions, can grow ever more united in common prayer around Christ, they will grow in the awareness of how little divides them in comparison with what unites them." In response to the grace of the Holy Spirit many Christians of different denominations have come together to pray and continue to do so. We see examples of this, from the gathering of world religious leaders at Assisi, to places of pilgrimage such as Taize, to local parish initiatives. Through a shared experience of prayer they desire greater unity. This desire in turn leads to dialogue.

True dialogue demands an openness and mutual respect and "it is right and salutary to recognise the riches of Christ and virtuous works in the lives of others who are bearing witness to Christ, sometimes even to shedding their blood."

Dialogue with the Orthodox Churches, based on respect for their rich spiritual heritage, can be very fruitful. In recent years there has been much interest in the spirituality of Icons and the practice of the "Jesus Prayer". The deep admiration the Catholic Church towards the spiritual traditions of the East opens up opportunities to grow in mutual respect.

Noticeable also is the fact that many Christians of other Ecclesial Communions, in their search for God, are turning to the spiritual tradition of the Catholic Church. Coming with a love of Sacred Scripture they learn the great benefits of Lectio Divina, developed in Benedictine monastic practice. Many come to appreciate the ways of Ignatian discernment as a path to spiritual growth. Increasing numbers of members of various Ecclesial Communities are engaging in spiritual direction. Many participate in a deep contemplative prayer, expressed in the spiritual tradition as the "via negativa" as the Movement for Christian Meditation shows.

Finding common ground in the desire for deep and authentic communion with God, the area of spirituality is a fruitful source of the growth of the unity of Christians for which the Lord prayed at the Last Supper.