Vatican, Dec. 6, 2007 (CWNews.com) - During a December 6 visit to the Pontifical Oriental Institute, Pope Benedict XVI praised the loyalty of Eastern Catholic churches that have weathered severe trials and "remained close through their faithfulness to the See of Peter."

The strength of the Eastern Catholic tradition is bolstered by the work of the Pontifical Oriental Institute, the Pontiff continued. He noted in particular the library that is "justly famous throughout the world," and the Institute's years of work in exploring the riches of the Eastern liturgical and theological traditions.

The Holy Father said that he felt as special bond with his predecessor Pope Benedict XV, who established the Oriental Institute in 1917. "The time of that Pope was a time of war," he said, "while he himself worked for peace."

Pope Benedict XV took a particular interest in the Eastern churches, the current Pontiff recalled. It was Benedict XV who set up the Congregation for Eastern Churches as well as the Oriental Institute, and since that time the Popes "have never ceased to show their concern with concrete gestures of support."