WASHINGTON – Martin Luther used two medieval traditions to form his position on justification – a stance that nearly 500 years later ultimately found acceptance among Catholics, according to a German Lutheran theologian and pastor.

WASHINGTON – Swiss Cardinal Kurt Koch, renowned for his ecumenical efforts, addressed a Washington gathering of Catholic and Lutheran leaders striving for unity.

VATICAN CITY – Serious research on Martin Luther can help heal relations between Catholics and Protestants, highlight what was legitimate about the Reformation and pinpoint the errors and sins that led to the division of the church, Pope Francis said.

Martin Luther would be amazed. He would never have imagined the Pope of Rome could be a mere guest in any Christian church.

Pope Francis will join Lutheran leaders in Sweden Oct. 31 to launch a year of commemoration leading up to next yearöÏÓãÊÓƵapp 500th anniversary of the onset of the Protestant Reformation. At first glance, it seems an odd stage for the Pope to occupy.

Oct. 31, 2017 will mark the 500th anniversary of the date Martin Luther posted his 95 proposals on the door of a Catholic church in Germany to launch the Protestant Reformation. Indeed, LutheröÏÓãÊÓƵapp imprint on Christianity has never faded over the centuries.

OXFORD, England – Germany's Catholic bishops praised Martin Luther, who started the Protestant Reformation, as a "Gospel witness and teacher of the faith" and called for closer ties with Protestants.

ROME - The Vatican has given its backing to a central Rome square being named after Martin Luther, a church reformer excommunicated by the pope nearly 500 years ago.