Christian churches and communities of all denominations in Rome are taking part in a week of prayer for Christian unity among Christians. Pope Benedict XVI has stressed the need for all those who had been baptised to reflect and pray for the restoration of full Christian unity. The overall theme for the week this year is taken from St. Matthews gospel Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.

The conclusion of the week of prayer will be on Wednesday 25 January, the feast of the conversion of St. Paul, when Pope Benedict will preside at vespers at 17.30 in St Peters Basilica. Representatives of all the Christian communities in Rome are expected to be present.