A total of 40 percent of surveyed countries registered "high" or "very high" levels of overall restrictions, according to Pew Research Center’s annual study on global restrictions on religion.

Catholics and evangelicals must “continue to witness together to the Gospel and to continue on the road to full unity,” Francis said.

The week of prayer, Pope Francis said, urges Catholics and Lutherans to reconcile and "draw closer to one another anew through conversion."

The statement is expected to express remorse that the (Protestant) Church of England carried out so many acts of violence.

Pope Francis’ presence was failed as the “most significant” and “an important part of ecumenical history.

On Oct. 31 the pope will participate in a ceremony to mark 500 years since the start of the Reformation.