Ut unum sint

encyclical by John Paul II

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July 16, 2026

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The encyclical Ut unum sint (1995), meaning "That They May Be One," was issued by Pope John Paul II. It reviewed three decades of ecumenical relations within Christianity and invited non-Catholic churches to discuss the role of the papacy in global Christianity. This initiative sparked new ecumenical conversations. The encyclical reaffirmed the Catholic Church's commitment to Christian unity, emphasizing obedience to Christ's will and the spread of the gospel. It also highlighted areas for further dialogue, including the relationship between Scripture and Tradition, the Eucharist, ordination, the Church's Magisterium, and the role of the Virgin Mary. John Paul II also invited dialogue on the nature of the papacy's primacy in a way that is open to new situations.12

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St. John Paul II
Christian ecumenism
John Paul’s highly personalized encyclical Ut unum sint (1995; “That They May Be One”) reviewed 30 years of ecumenical relations, including his visits—the first by any pope—to Canterbury Cathedral in England and to Lutheran churches in Germany and Sweden. Its invitation to non-Catholic churches to join John Paul in rethinking…
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John Paul’s highly personalized encyclical Ut unum sint (1995; “That They May Be One”) reviewed 30 years of ecumenical relations, including his visits—the first by any pope—to Canterbury Cathedral in England and to Lutheran churches in Germany and Sweden. Its invitation to non-Catholic churches to join John Paul in rethinking…
Read More