Following the announcement of the Pope’s resignation, the Archbishop of Utrecht, Dr. Joris Vercammen, has expressed his understanding for the decision. In a letter to the Pope he acclaims Benedict XVI on behalf of the Union of Utrecht as a critical theologian and thanks him for his service to the Roman Catholic Church and to the global Christian community. Archbishop Vercammen also highlights the Pope’s endeavours concerning ecumenical relations and interreligious communication. In particular, he thanks Benedict XVI for his support in the Roman Catholic–Old Catholic dialogue, which was extended to a second period last autumn.
Maja Weyermann
Information Officer of the International Old Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of the Union of Utrecht