The U.K. Independent is reporting that Pope Benedict XVI is seeking to prevent the breakup of the Anglican Communion. According to the story, headlined “Exclusive: Pope rides to Rowan’s rescue / Vatican shuns defectors and backs calls for Anglican unity,” the Pope has “let it be known that he does not support the defection of conservative Anglicans to the Roman Catholic Church” and has “given behind-the scenes support to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s attempts to hold together the conservative and liberal wings of the Anglican Church, including at face-to-face meetings in Rome.”

It’s true that British religion reporting should often be taken with a grain of salt. But it does remind me of some important elements of Benedict XVI’s outlook on ecclesiology, and the Christian spirit, that are relatively well known. In his theological writings, he has expressed opposition to the old concept of an “ecumenism of return”–the idea that Christian unity will be achieved only when everybody suddenly decides to become Roman Catholic. And his pastoral approach is grounded more in eschatology than in short-term jockeying for an increase in RC membership numbers: He doesn’t want to capitalize on momentary problems within another Church to achieve a quick windfall in “sheep-stealing,” if it delays the day when a far deeper–and more lasting and universal–unity can be achieved.