'An ecumenical primate'

The pastor of the Lutheran community in Rome Jens-Martin Kruse is about to retire from his job.

He has referred to Pope Francis as an 'Ecumenical Primate'.

He said that Rome today under Pope Francis is an ecumenical laboratory "with all the traffic lights set at green.

Meanwhile in Ireland, the week of prayer for Christian unity just completed, has been a much muted experience with many parishes staying silent. A pity.