A delegation addressed the pontiff and representatives of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCCU) today to talk about areas of potential collaboration to address global issues of common concerns to both, the evangelical community and the Roman Catholic Church.
In a speech, WEA Secretary General Dr Geoff Tunnicliffe, outlined specific action steps for the two world church bodies that could lead to what was described as a 'new era in evangelical and Roman Catholic relations'.
He said: "We acknowledge the differences between our traditions, yet also affirm the common tasks we have shared in the past and pray that we can build on those,"
"Evangelicals are a very diverse group that includes peoples and churches from Pentecostal traditions, Reformed, Baptist and independents. We share a common faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and a desire to serve God's kingdom, we have a heart to encourage personal spiritual renewal and transformation and a passion to make Jesus known around the world. As we seek to obey Christ, we see this time as a new era in Evangelical/Roman Catholic relations."
He went on to praise the partnerships between evangelicals and Catholics around the world.
Dr Tunnicliffe said: "For example, we know that in many cities around the world, Evangelical and Roman Catholic Christians are cooperating to respond to human trafficking, while at the same time Evangelical and Catholic scholars and activists have begun collaborating to analyse and respond to the terrible problems of religious persecution."
He also called on the two groups to do more to better understand each other: "Deeper levels of joint love of neighbours should be accompanied by higher levels of public discussion of fundamental theology and ethics between Roman Catholics and Evangelicals.
"This will have educational value for our own church members; it will provide answers for seekers who are interested in the Christian faith, whose interest and questions may have been awakened by our shared love of neighbours; and it sets healthy patterns for principled public discussion in a multi-religious world."
Since being elected Pope Francis has prioritised the issue of Christian unity, regularly meeting with members of different denominations.