The Ecumenical Style of Pope Benedict

Zenit.org carried the following interesting little article on Pope Benedict XVI's style in ecumenical relations today:

Ecumenism has changed considerably with Benedict XVI, says the director of an organization whose courses include a focus on interreligious dialogue. "The Pope has adopted a more episcopal model for his ministry," said Father James Puglisi, director of the Pro Unione Center in Rome. "In fact, if one looks at the first stamps, they are without the tiara and with the inscription 'Episcopus Romae.' This is of great importance for the Orthodox."

Father Puglisi, who is also general minister of the Franciscans of the Atonement, spoke with ZENIT on the occasion of a three-week course that his center offered to 16 students from the United States, England and Spain. ...

Among the topics addressed during the course, special attention was given to the present state of the promotion of Christian unity. Father Puglisi noted Benedict XVI's innovations and added: "His approvals of the Eastern episcopal elections are no longer in the Vatican Web site section 'Resignations and Appointments,' but on a separate page for relations with the Catholic Eastern Churches with the expression 'we received the decision' of a Synod and 'I accept in the episcopate.'"