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Moreover, he added, "the document upholds the common ecumenical belief that Jesus Christ is the sole and universal mediator of our salvation. Protestants say the same thing."

In an interview with Lutheran World Information in Geneva late in February, Cardinal Kasper also commented on Dominus Iesus, saying that the original controversy had now been more or less overcome. He felt that the pontifical council had succeeded in its attempt to clarify the misunderstandings that had arisen. The language of the statement was certainly different from that of the Second Vatican Council and from that used by Pope John Paul, and did not mention previous dialogues, Cardinal Kasper admitted. He added that Dominus Iesus was intended as a warning against "a relativism or a fundamental pluralism" and stressed that Pope John Paul had repeatedly stated "that for him, the decisions taken at the Second Vatican Council are irrevocable and irreversible for the ecumenical process."

Recent statements by Cardinal Kasper prompted La Repubblica, a leading newspaper in Rome, to declare, following the announcement of his new job, that "An anti-Ratzinger is now at the center of the Curia [Vatican bureaucracy]. The new president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity is the right man to resume dialogue with Protestants affected by the declaration Dominus Iesus published by Cardinal Ratzinger last September." The newspaper described Cardinal Kasper's appointment as a strengthening of the "reformers" faction of the College of Cardinals. He could also support moves for a "third Vatican council."

In Geneva, Konrad Raiser, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, welcomed Cardinal Kasper's appointment. "Cardinal Kasper comes to this central position of ecumenical leadership in the Roman Catholic Church with broad pastoral experience and sensitivity and after a distinguished career as a theological teacher," Raiser said. "His competence will be an asset for our work together. We look forward to his leadership and inspiration in the years ahead."

Ishmael Noko, general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, also based in Geneva, said he was filled with "great satisfaction" to know that in the coming years, Cardinal Kasper "will continue to be a decisive architect of ecumenism in the Roman Catholic Church." Noko described the new president of the pontifical council as a "renowned, respected theologian" who brings "a quality of theology and style of leadership that facilitate collaboration in the ecumenical movement."

"We know Cardinal Kasper and have found in him a common faith in the living God, who will guide us in these complex times towards the unity which God makes possible in Christ," said Noko.

Both Raiser and Noko paid tribute to Cardinal Cassidy's achievements as head of the council for 11 years.

Copyright © 2001 ENI

Earlier Christianity Today articles on Dominus Iesus include:

Honest Ecumenism | The Vatican's recent statement on the nature of the church is a step forward, not backward, for Christian unity. (Oct. 23, 2000)

Poland's Catholic Bishops Reject Criticism of DominusIesus | Ratzinger's declaration that Protestant denominations are not proper churches is making waves in pope's birthplace. (Sept. 20, 2000)

DominusIesus a 'Public Relations Disaster' for Ecumenism, Say Critics | Vatican's statement reasserting itself as the one true church lamented inside and outside Catholicism. (Sept. 13, 2000)

Not All in the Family | Vatican official proclaims Protestant churches not "sister churches" to the Roman Catholic faith. (Sept. 6, 2000)

Read Dominus Iesus, a declaration reiterating Catholic teachings on the uniqueness of the church.

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March (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45