Episcopal leaders attend papal vespers service in Rome for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

[Episcopal News Service] Episcopal leaders joined those from other Christian denominations at a service led by Pope Francis in Rome on Jan. 25 as part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Bishop Mark Edington and others from the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, as well as staff from the presiding bishop’s office, represented The Episcopal Church at the vespers service.

The papal service, held at the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, marks the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. It is a chance for Christians from different traditions to unite in common worship, said the Rev. Austin Rios. Rios is rector of St. Paul’s Within the Walls, a convocation church named for its status as the first Protestant church built within the walls of Rome.