.- Archbishop André Vingt-Trois of Paris is leading more than 600 French pilgrims, including clergymen, theologians, pilgrimage tour operators and journalists, on a visit to the Holy Land. They arrived in Israel on Monday.
The high-profile visit comes almost 10 years after Vingt-Trois’ predecessor, Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, who was himself a convert from Judaism, established more cordial relations between the Catholic Church in France and Israel.
The French delegation visited Yad Vashem Holocaust museum on Wednesday. The archbishop placed an orange and green wreath at a large stone memorial for the six million Jews who were killed by the Nazis.
During meetings at the museum, the archbishop reportedly spoke about the importance of remaining hopeful while remembering the tragedy.
"Without hope, the remembrance of crime is the despair of man," Archbishop Vingt-Trois reportedly said. "Keeping the memory with hope, this is faith."
According to a report in the Jerusalem Post, Archbishop Vingt-Trois carried out the traditional ceremony of salt, wine, and bread upon landing at Ben-Gurion International Airport.
"We are happy to be in the Holy Land. Jerusalem is the center of religions and it must unite all the religions in line with the vision of Jesus for unity, peace and tolerance," he said.
His visit is meant to send a message of peace to Israel and the Palestinians, as well as encourage a rise in the number of Catholic pilgrims visiting the Holy Land.
The archbishop is also expected to sign a special treaty at Yad Vashem, committing the Catholic Church to joint research on the victims of the Holocaust. He is also expected to declare a visit to Yad Vashem as an important priority for Catholic pilgrims to the Holy Land, according to the Israeli paper
On Monday night the Archbishop took part in a dialogue on ethics and security in the 21st century, organized by Tel Aviv University. Later this week, his delegation will visit Nazareth and other holy sites in the Galilee.
Archbishop of Paris pays visit to Yad Vashem
Related news
Related articles
* The number of messages that can be online is limited. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages
Featured Videos
May
23
Liturgical Calendar
May 23, 2013
Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary TimeAll readings:
Today »This year »
Catholic Daily
Gospel of the Day
Lc 22,14-20
Gospel
Date
05/23/13
05/22/13
05/21/13
Homily of the Day
Lc 22,14-20
Homily
Date
05/23/13
05/22/13
05/21/13
Most Popular
Ads by AdsLiveMedia.com
