"From an ecumenical perspective, the unity of the Christian churches will not be possible until there is a deeper understanding of the historical, theological, ecclesiological and spiritual figure of Martin Luther, marked by his particular experience of God and his commitment to the primacy of grace through faith alone in the work of salvation. This was affirmed by the historian and biographer Rafael Lazcano at the University of Navarra on the occasion of his participation in the seminar 'The figure of Luther, from yesterday to today' of the School of Theology.

The seminar was held on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the circulation of the 95 thesis against indulgences, published by Martin Luther in October 1517. An event that Rafael Lazcano defines of "singular importance and historical transcendence for its theological, ecclesial and socio-cultural significance".

During the session, the expert on the figure of Luther also pointed out that the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation offers us an opportunity "to approach the authentic and original figure, without passion and free of prejudice, with a serene and balanced spirit. He explained that the appropriate way to do this is "by placing ourselves at status of the social, political, economic, cultural and religious reality of Europe and, especially, of Germany at the end of the 15th century and the first half of the 16th century".

He also recalled that the ecumenical events that took place on June 1, 2016, kicking off the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation are "a witness of faith, love and hope for the future of Christian unity." They were attended by the Pope, the president and secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, plus the leaders of the Church of Sweden and the Catholic Diocese of Stockholm.